Barcelona filmmaker Juan Antonio Bayona shared his joy after Snow Society earned two Oscar nominations
Bayona spoke with EFE about the recognition, noting that capturing Hollywood’s attention with a film made in Spanish is a challenge. He explained the difficulty of gaining traction in a market where English-language productions dominate.
Drawing on his Hollywood experience with major projects such as Jurassic World and the Lord of the Rings series, Bayona said that when a film is in Spanish, extra effort is required to stand out and reach audiences who may not speak the language.
While Oppenheimer dominates the nominations, The Snow Society earns two nods
A film dreamed of for ten years
Bayona emphasized that these two nominations reflect the long journey and the dream that has accompanied the project for years. He added that the public now has the opportunity to see the movie and that a recognition from the Hollywood Academy holds special meaning.
When asked about the chances of winning both awards, the producer cautioned that predicting outcomes is tricky. He noted that many strong contenders exist backstage, and early favorites sometimes miss the final list.
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The team was thrilled to be recognized in the best international film category and in makeup and hairstyling, highlighting the collaborative effort that defined the project.
Bayona reflected on the momentum behind the movie, describing it as a moment of beauty and a global conversation that extends beyond cinema. The series about the same themes, which has drawn attention on streaming platforms, continues to attract cinema audiences alike.
Regarding the possibility of winning the best foreign language film, Bayona acknowledged the intense competition from top titles worldwide. He defended the film’s merits and pointed to the audience award at the San Sebastián Festival as evidence of its appeal among viewers.
It speaks to the times we live in
The core appeal of The Snow Society lies in its resonance with contemporary life, especially for younger viewers who witness a group of youths facing abandonment and a stubborn refusal to surrender. Across years of shared effort, the young protagonists push toward unlikely successes, proving that they can rise from nothing and create opportunity where none existed.
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The film’s narrative is presented as a reflection of the moment we inhabit, urging audiences to observe their surroundings and contribute their best to themselves and others. The distinction of being among Spain’s nominees is celebrated by Bayona and his colleagues in the broader Spanish film community, who understand the weight of this achievement.
He added that the collaboration extended beyond national borders, bringing together teammates from Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile. The talent across departments was widely praised for its contribution, and the makeup and hair teams drew particular admiration for their work on a highly competitive stage.
The director of The Orphanage highlighted the value of a nomination in makeup and hair, acknowledging the fierce competition against some of Hollywood’s industry giants.
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Bayona shared happiness at the prospect of sharing the night with Pablo Berger, noting the connection between two Spanish talents as they stand on a similar stage. A display of three Gaudí awards and a Goya trophy rests at La Trini, the Bayona production company, marking a busy, anticipation-filled day for the team as they await further recognition from Los Angeles.