The 39th edition of the Goya Awards, Spain’s most prestigious film honors, was marked by a historic tie for Best Film. For the first time in the award’s history, two films—La Infiltrada and El 47—shared the top prize. The ceremony, held in Valencia, celebrated an eclectic mix of stories, with a strong emphasis on social and political issues.
A Historic Tie: ‘La Infiltrada’ and ‘El 47’ Share Best Film Award
The night’s biggest surprise came with the announcement of Best Film, where La Infiltrada and El 47 were declared joint winners.
- La Infiltrada follows the story of a police officer infiltrating the separatist group ETA, starring Carolina Yuste, who took home the award for Best Actress.
- El 47 is a period drama depicting the struggles of immigrants in Barcelona during the 1960s and 1970s.
Salva Reina, who played a Málaga-born immigrant fighting for his rights, won Best Supporting Actor. In his acceptance speech, he called attention to the plight of unemployed actors and declared, “No human being is illegal.”
Best Director: A Victory for Isaki Lacuesta and Pol Rodríguez
With the competition for Best Director wide open, the honor went to Isaki Lacuesta and Pol Rodríguez for Segundo Premio, a film that explores the creative and personal struggles of artists.
Eduard Fernández and Carolina Yuste Shine in Acting Categories
Veteran actor Eduard Fernández won Best Actor for his portrayal of Enric Marco, a man who falsely claimed to be a concentration camp survivor in Marco.
Meanwhile, Carolina Yuste delivered an emotional speech after receiving Best Actress for her role in La Infiltrada. The film’s political themes resonated strongly, highlighting the complexities of Spain’s history with ETA.
Pedro Almodóvar Wins Best Adapted Screenplay for ‘The Room Next Door’
Spanish cinema icon Pedro Almodóvar was absent from the ceremony, but his film The Room Next Door (La Habitación de al Lado) earned him the Best Adapted Screenplay award.
Meanwhile, Eduard Sola took home Best Original Screenplay for Casa en Llamas, a film centered on family tensions and social unrest.
A Night of Political Messages and Social Advocacy
The Goya Awards have always been a stage for political discourse, and this year was no exception. Many winners and presenters used their speeches to address fanaticism, housing crises, and the struggles of film industry professionals.
- Clara Segura, winner of Best Supporting Actress for El 47, emphasized the importance of education as a tool for social change.
- Richard Gere, recipient of the International Goya Award, praised Spain’s humanitarian efforts in helping Mediterranean migrants, calling for global unity over division.
In one of the night’s most powerful moments, Gere warned:
“We must be vigilant, brave, and willing to stand up for the truth. Tribalism is taking over, and we must resist it.”
Alberto Iglesias Becomes the Most Awarded Composer in Goya History
With his 12th Goya win, Alberto Iglesias solidified his legacy as Spain’s most celebrated film composer. His work in The Room Next Door earned him another Best Original Score award.
International Winners: Brazil and France Take Top Honors
The Best Ibero-American Film award went to Ainda Estou Aqui (I Am Still Here), a Brazilian film by Walter Salles, which tells the story of a woman’s struggle under a military dictatorship.
Meanwhile, the Best European Film award went to Emilia Pérez, a French musical drama set in Mexico. However, its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón, was absent from the ceremony due to a controversy over past social media posts.
Rising Stars and Fresh Voices in Spanish Cinema
- Laura Weissmahr won Best New Actress for Salve María, solidifying her place as a rising talent in Spanish cinema.
- Pepe Lorente took Best New Actor for his portrayal of musician Mauricio Aznar in La Estrella Azul.
- Javier Macipe, director of La Estrella Azul, received the Best New Director award, delivering an acceptance speech in the form of a traditional Argentine milonga.
C. Tangana Wins Two Goya Awards for ‘La Guitarra Flamenca de Yerai Cortés’
Spanish musician C. Tangana stepped into the world of cinema and walked away with two Goya Awards—one for Best Documentary and another for Best Original Song.
“This story is about understanding and forgiveness. Let’s be understanding, let’s forgive, and let’s allow people to make mistakes,” Tangana said, acknowledging his unconventional path into filmmaking.
Animation and Honorary Awards: Recognizing Contributions to Cinema
- Mariposas Negras, an animated film addressing climate change and climate refugees, won Best Animated Film.
- Aitana Sánchez-Gijón received the Goya of Honor for her 40-year acting career, reminding the audience:
“We should not fear culture. We should fear ignorance, indifference, and fanaticism.”
A Landmark Edition of the Goya Awards
The 2024 Goya Awards will be remembered for its unprecedented tie for Best Film, its strong political and social messages, and the recognition of emerging talents.
From Pedro Almodóvar’s continued dominance to Richard Gere’s call for unity, the ceremony reinforced the role of cinema as both an artistic and political force.As Spanish cinema gains more international recognition, the night’s biggest winners will now set their sights on the global stage, with some heading to the Academy Awards next month.
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