The 39th Goya Awards, held on a memorable Saturday evening, marked a historic milestone in Spanish cinema as Marcel Barrena’s The 47 and Arantxa Echeverría’s Undercover became the first films to share the prestigious Best Picture award. This unprecedented tie underscored the diversity and depth of contemporary Spanish storytelling. The ceremony, attended by luminaries such as Javier Bardem and Antonio Banderas, was as notable for its absences, including Pedro Almodóvar and Penelope Cruz, as it was for its powerful moments of reflection and celebration. Richard Gere, recipient of the International Goya, delivered a poignant critiques of former U.S. President Donald Trump, calling him a bully and a thug, and warning of the dangers of rising extremism. The evening was a blend of artistry, activism, and cultural commentary.
The emotional high points included a heartfelt tribute to the late Marisa Paredes, a beloved actress and Almodóvar collaborator, delivered by her daughter, María Isasi. Almodóvar himself made his presence felt despite his absence, as his adapted screenplay for The Room Next Door earned him a win. In a message read by his brother Agustín Almodóvar, he issued a stark warning about the dangers of neoliberalism and the rise of the far right. His words resonated deeply in a ceremony that often doubled as a platform for social and political reflection.
The 47, directed by Marcel Barrena, tells the inspiring true story of Manolo Vital, a Barcelona bus driver who challenged authority in 1978 to establish a vital bus route to the outlying village of Torre Baró. The film also delves into Vital’s journey as a Spanish immigrant fleeing poverty in Extremadura, a narrative that resonates with Spain’s history of internal migration. Its exploration of belonging and resilience struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. Undercover, directed by Arantxa Echeverría, meanwhile, recounts the remarkable true story of a young police officer who infiltrated the Basque terrorist group ETA. Both films represent a growing trend in Spanish cinema toward socially relevant, adult-oriented storytelling that blends artistry with commercial appeal.
The dual Best Picture win for The 47 and Undercover highlighted a shift in audience preferences toward films that explore real-world issues and personal struggles. Alongside A House on Fire, a biting satire about a dysfunctional Catalan family, these films demonstrated the appetite for bold, emotionally resonant cinema that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths. Both The 47 and Undercover performed strongly at the box office, with Undercover grossing €8 million in Spain. Their success suggests a move away from more escapist fare toward stories that reflect the complexities of contemporary life.
Other notable winners included Isaki Lacuesta and Pol Rodríguez, who took Best Director for their anarchic and irreverent portrait of indie rock band Los Planetas in Saturn Return. Carolina Yuste claimed Best Actress for her role in Undercover, edging out heavyweights like Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore. In the Best Actor category, Eduard Fernández triumphed for his performance in Marco, the Invented Truth, a drama about a false Holocaust survivor. The ceremony also celebrated emerging talent, with Javier Macipe and Pepe Lorente winning Best New Director and Best New Actor, respectively, for their work on The Blue Star. Documentary filmmaker C. Tangana earned two awards for The Flamenco Guitar of Yerai Cortés, including Best Documentary and Best Original Song for the haunting “Los Almendros.”
The Goya Awards also honored international cinema, with Emilia Pérez winning Best European Film and Walter Salles’ I’m Still Here taking Best Ibero-American Film. Aitana Sánchez Gijón, a veteran actress known for her role in A Walk in the Clouds opposite Keanu Reeves, received an Honorary Goya and used the occasion to caution against the dangers of cultural imperialism. The night’s winners and speeches reflected a broader conversation about the role of cinema in addressing political and social challenges. As Spanish filmmakers continue to push boundaries and challenge audiences, the Goyas stand as a testament to the power of storytelling in reflecting and shaping the world around us.
