Tonight, the Grand Teatre del Liceu will host the delivery gala, marking the 70th edition of a cycle that celebrates the Spanish audiovisual industry. The Prestige awards, presented by the Prisa Group, honor the year’s most distinguished work. Just hours earlier, a select group of notable voices gathered at the Albéniz Palace for an informal media roundtable to share first impressions.
The Ondas Awards recognize excellence in television and radio, and this year they have expanded to include podcasts and streaming platforms. The show also signals a shift in influence, with Twitch emerging as a powerful mass media tool. This time, the entertainment prize went beyond traditional favorites like Masterchef or The Voice. Instead, two names dominated by collecting multiple awards: the Kings League, led by Ibai Llanos, received the Special Jury Prize.
Among the anticipated streamers, Gerard Piqué did not appear at Montjuïc, a notable absence. He was not the only no‑show. Patrick Criado, who has been lauded for many performances, found himself in a moment of triumph for a different series, and the awards underscored the broader range of acting talents recognized this year. Úrsula Corberó was honored for her performance in Shooting Corpse on Netflix, while the Best Spanish Drama Series went to Route on Atresplayer. The Best Comedy prize went to Too Little Faith on Movistar Plus.
Immersion Award
Patrick Criado, though present at the media scrum, has also spoken about his role in Tefía Nights on Atresplayer, noting a special sense of immersion in the project. He conveyed that the recognition reflects the series and the demanding work behind it. “There’s immense effort and sacrifice due to physical demands, and the courage to produce these features carries a meaningful message,” he said.
Among the other moments, Jorge Drexler walked the gardens, receiving recognition for Best Tour of the Year. He explained the honor goes beyond a single song or performance; it honors the entire touring concept. With nearly 80 concerts across 20 countries, each show is the result of months of planning and dedication.
Bogotá’s musical scene was celebrated as the year’s standout phenomenon, with Kok Mesh earning accolades for forty years of influence. The singer emphasized the importance of awards for the sector, noting that such recognition helps value the hard work and creativity that define the industry. It is a recognition of the human effort behind art, he added, comparing it to literary figures and noting that awards matter for the people behind the projects.
Journalist extraordinaire
The Ondas’ best presenter earned a growing reputation as a journalist who asks direct questions with a fearless approach. The style, often associated with the late evening program 1 o’clock, has become a hallmark of his career. Silvia Itxaurrondo remarked that such interviews should not be exceptional; if a journalist’s questions divert attention, maybe more broadcasters should lean into this approach. He expressed pride in the country’s journalists and their work.
The newest award for best television presenter went to Carlos del Amo of TVE for his work on Telediario and La Matemática del Espejo. Del Amo explained that culture deserves time on screen, and he appreciates being recognized for delivering culture-focused information. The acknowledgment felt meaningful because it supports a genre that often carries a heavy audience load but marches forward with dedication.
Mara Torres, a veteran presence on television and radio, accepted the Best Radio Show for Mara Torres Lighthouse. She framed the accolade as a team achievement built over five years and as validation of a format that connects listeners with radio in a dynamic way. The Ondas Awards, she noted, show how audiences contribute ideas, knowledge, and humor, creating a living exchange between creators and listeners.
Marc Giro highlighted the excitement surrounding Slow TV, praising its leaping tempo and energy. He spoke about winning the Best Affinity Program for Late Xou on RTVE Catalonia, which has gained national reach. He described the moment of the award as emotionally charged, underscoring the unique nature of this program and its impact.
One of the most poignant moments involved the late daily life portrait of football legend Juan Carlos Unzué, who lives with ALS. The team behind the documentary shared that an Ondas Award is not won every day, but this project successfully raised visibility for ALS through festivals, theatres, and television. The organizers hoped for progress on ALS legislation and highlighted the broader purpose of recognizing documentaries that illuminate difficult realities.