The 39th Goya Awards, Spain’s prestigious equivalent to the Oscars, concluded with a thrilling finish as El 47, a true-life drama directed by Marcel Barrena, and Undercover, a gripping thriller by Arantxa Echevarría, shared the Best Film award. The ceremony, held on Saturday night in Granada, showcased an intense competition among some of Spain’s finest cinematic talents.
El 47 Dominates Nominations and Wins Big
Heading into the ceremony, El 47 was the frontrunner with 16 nominations. The film, which tells the remarkable story of a bus driver who played a pivotal role in shaping modern Barcelona, secured five awards by the end of the night. Among its major wins were both Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress trophies, with Salva Reina and Clara Segura taking home the honors.
Undercover Shines with Best Actress Win
While El 47 led in overall nominations, Undercover also made a strong impact. The crime thriller follows a police officer’s dangerous mission to infiltrate the ETA terrorist group. Carolina Yuste delivered a stellar performance in the leading role, earning her the Best Actress award.
Eduard Fernández Wins Best Actor for ‘Marco’
Veteran actor Eduard Fernández won the Best Actor award for his performance in Marco, directed by Aitor Arregi and Jon Garaño. The film is a true-life account of Enric Marco, a Spanish trade unionist who falsely claimed to have survived a concentration camp. Fernández’s portrayal of this controversial figure received widespread acclaim.
Best Director Award Goes to Isaki Lacuesta and Pol Rodríguez
In a competitive category, Isaki Lacuesta and Pol Rodríguez took home the Best Director award for Saturn Return. The film, a biopic set in the 1990s, follows the rise of the Spanish indie rock band Los Planetas. The duo triumphed over Spain’s legendary filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, who was also nominated for his English-language debut, The Room Next Door.
The Room Next Door Secures Three Awards
Despite its 13 nominations, The Room Next Door ended the night with three awards. It won Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Music, and Best Cinematography, proving that Almodóvar’s venture into English-language filmmaking still captivated the jury.
‘Emilia Pérez’ Wins Best European Film
French director Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical Emilia Pérez claimed the Best European Film award. Although it was only nominated for a single Goya, the film has been a major contender on the international stage, securing 13 Oscar nominations this year. However, as a French production, it was ineligible for the main Goya categories.
Karla Sofía Gascón’s Absence from the Ceremony
Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón was notably absent from the event. Gascón, who made history as the first openly transgender performer nominated for an Oscar in an acting category, faced backlash over past social media posts. Due to the controversy, she was removed from the film’s Oscar campaign in the U.S. and opted not to attend the Goya ceremony.
Best Ibero-American Film: ‘I’m Still Here’
Brazilian filmmaker Walter Salles’ period drama I’m Still Here won the Goya for Best Ibero-American Film. The film is also making waves globally, earning three Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best International Feature, and Best Actress for lead performer Fernanda Torres.
A Night of Celebration for Spanish Cinema
The 39th Goya Awards once again highlighted the brilliance of Spanish and Ibero-American cinema. With El 47 and Undercover sharing the top prize and several international films making their mark, the event was a true celebration of cinematic excellence.
As Latest News from the film industry continues to unfold, these winners will likely remain in the spotlight, influencing awards season worldwide. Stay tuned for more Daily News Highlights on the future of these acclaimed films.
