Spain’s premier film celebration approaches: Goya Awards 2023 at center stage
Spain’s annual celebration of cinema is nearly upon us. The Goya Awards ceremony is scheduled for February 11 and will unfold at the FIBES Conference and Exhibition Center in Seville. This event honors the year’s standout achievements in Spanish filmmaking, with the lineup this year highlighting director Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s latest project as a focal point across several categories.
The film As Bestas tells the story of Antoine and Olga, a French couple who settle in a quiet Galician village. Their tranquil life is shattered when a feud erupts with the Anta brothers, lifelong locals, thrusting the couple into a tense, morally thorny conflict that probes loyalty, fear, and the boundaries of justice. The project has drawn broad attention for its psychological intensity and stark, intimate storytelling. (Citation: Spanish Film Academy)
As Bestas has secured 17 Goya nominations in 2023, signaling strong momentum for Best Picture. It is also positioned as a likely contender for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director. The ensemble’s performance has earned particular praise: Denis Ménochet is widely tipped for Best Actor, Marina Foïs for Best Actress, Marie Colomb for Best Supporting Actress, and Diego Anido along with Luis Zahera as the Anta brothers could be in the running for Best Supporting Actor, underscoring the film’s collaborative strength. (Citation: Spanish Film Academy)
What are the most awarded and nominated films and actors in Goya 2023?
Beyond the lead collaboration, the crew behind As Bestas has earned recognition across a broad spectrum of technical and artistic categories. The production area sees it competing for Best Original Score, Best Production Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hair Design, Best Sound, and Best Special Effects. The nominations reflect a wide range of crafts, from narrative focus to the intricate artistry that shapes the film’s atmosphere and realism. (Citation: Spanish Film Academy)
Where to watch movies nominated for Goya?
While As Bestas stands out with numerous award possibilities, the film also captured public interest for its commercial performance. It premiered on 11 November and has since surpassed 4 million euros in cumulative box office revenue, drawing large audiences to theaters and reaching more than 650,000 spectators. It ranks among the year’s highest-grossing Spanish productions, behind only the blockbuster sequel A Todo Train 2 in yearly earnings. Critical reception has been favorable across major platforms, with solid ratings from both audiences and critics. (Citation: Spanish Film Academy)
As the awards race unfolds, As Bestas faces stiff competition from Model 77, Alberto Rodríguez’s film, which has secured multiple nominations. Model 77 is expected to contend for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay, with several acting nods highlighting strong performances throughout the cast. (Citation: Spanish Film Academy)