Every year, the Goya Awards premiere draws attention to a set of recurring requests, with the defense of public health at the top. The gala hosts opened the event by highlighting health care as a priority for leaders, alongside other ongoing topics like the status of Melilla’s border fence and monitoring regional issues. Clara Lago also remarked that mental health should not be a privilege for a few and that public health deserves to be defended by all.
The winners in categories including best short documentary and production management accepted their prizes with remarks that reinforced the health message. Notably, Eulalia Ramón, the widow of Carlos Saura, thanked the medical staff and the Villalba home palliative care team for the filmmaker’s care.
On social media, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the head of the Community of Madrid, echoed the tribute, thanking Ramón for the recognition and stating that Madrid stands for health and works toward the best for its residents.
The official Madrid regional account later shared part of Ramón’s message, underscoring that Carlos Saura’s widow expressed gratitude for the public health services and the hospital’s work. The post clarified that the institution operates under public-private management and emphasized that patients deserve transparency about how care is delivered; Ramón was simply acknowledging the care she received.
Twitter reactions were swift but faded quickly. At a moment when demonstrations in the capital called for stronger support for public health, many users directed their criticisms at the regional leadership, reflecting the tense climate around health policy and governance.