American actress sigourney weaver will be honored with the international goya award in valladolid tomorrow. she believes the changes cinema needs to ensure equality between men and women will come from women themselves, a sentiment she voiced at a press conference.
“i think i’m going to see that change unfold. and in this shift, the women who are driving it deserve the credit. if not, we risk overlooking the story of how a film like barbie can shift perceptions about gender,” she remarked during the event.
weaver arrived wearing a bottle green jacket suit, a striking brooch on the lapel, a white shirt, and flat shoes. she stood out while posing for a photo with academy president fernando méndez leite. valladolid’s mayor, jesús julio canero, joked that he stands tall among the crowd.
the actress was collegial and relaxed, repeatedly expressing how much she loves spain. her demeanor only softened slightly when addressing the topic of sexual abuse and its impact on the industry.
weaver expressed sadness after learning from a journalist about a harassment case involving a spanish film director that had recently come to light. “my heart and solidarity are with these women, with those who dare to speak out about such situations. reporting abuse helps all women feel safer,” she said.
she noted that #metoo would not fix everything overnight, explaining that the issue spans all areas of society. still, she observed that more light is being shed on these situations and that meaningful progress is being made.
the actor did not shy away from tough questions, including opinions on far-right and right-wing politics. she highlighted the importance of empowering women and resisting the urge to take women’s agency for granted, emphasizing the power to say no as a foundational right.
determination carried like a flag
weaver’s career is framed by steadfast determination. in her youth, many film teachers doubted her talent, but she refused to quit. “i didn’t give up,” she recalled with a smile, underscoring the resilience that shaped her path.
she explained that she never cared whether the roles were big or small, and she feels fortunate to be where she is today, despite early motivational hurdles. the experience reinforced a belief in doing what she loves and staying true to oneself.
she described herself not as a snob or an intellectual, but as someone who enjoys trying everything—from science fiction to comedy. she also revealed plans to depart spain early on sunday morning to continue filming avatar 3, illustrating her ongoing commitment to diverse projects.
within hours of her arrival, she would receive the international goya, a highlight in the 38th edition of the awards. she expressed deep honor and respect for both spanish and mexican cinema, acknowledging the rich histories they represent.
love for spanish and mexican cinema
at various moments during the press conference, the star of alien emphasized her preference for spanish and mexican cinema. she praised its diversity and its willingness to move beyond hollywood’s heavy reliance on spectacle and money.
she described spanish and mexican cinema as unconventional and deeply personal—a form that has had a profound impact on audiences in the united states, offering something fresh and different from the mainstream.
anticipation for tomorrow night’s premiere grew as she looked forward to meeting penélope cruz again and exchanging thoughts with the directors of this year’s nominated films, including creatures, countless species, and a love story. she has collaborated with pedro almodóvar and with j.a. bayona in the past, including the 2016 film a monster is coming to see me, a project that left a lasting impression on her career.
pedro almodóvar has long highlighted stories centered on women—complex, fascinating characters that push an audience to see women as fully realized individuals. this emphasis, she noted, is crucial because audiences deserve credit for engaging with such portrayals.
weaver believed that women want to see women on screen and argued that for too long hollywood prioritized male leads without reflecting the breadth and depth of female characters. she expressed optimism that contemporary cinema is offering a wider range of roles with greater depth and appeal for varied audiences.
she concluded by saying she would be happy to work again with the director from la mancha, especially now that a new english-language project is underway. when asked about her spanish, she smiled and joked that she could improve, but she would still pose the question, what about mine, before stepping into tomorrow night’s premiere with a spark of humor and confidence.