On December 14, 2024, the 30th edition of the Forqué Awards took place at the IFEMA venue in Madrid, marking the official start of the Spanish film awards season. Celebrated by the Spanish producers' association EGEDA, the gala had notable winners and established contenders poised for the upcoming Goya Awards.
This year's ceremony marked a milestone as it honored the esteemed filmmaker José Luis Garci with the Gold Medal for his contributions to Spanish cinema. Garci's legacy was highlighted as part of the celebrations for the 30th anniversary of the Forqué Awards, celebrating the evolution of the industry.
Among the evening's biggest winners was the film El 47, directed by Marcel Barrena, which took home the award for Best Feature Film, reinforcing its reputation as one of the leading works of the year. Barrena's film, which encapsulates significant historical and cultural themes, is noted for being the most viewed Catalan film in the last four decades.
Also making waves at the event was Carolina Yuste, who won Best Female Performance for her role in La infiltrada. Yuste portrayed Aranzazu Berradre Marín, detailing her character's harrowing infiltration of the ETA terrorist organization. Her acceptance speech poignantly stated, "Creo en el valor enorme que tiene el arte, la cultura, el cine y lo que hacemos para generar diálogo, para reparar y desde ahí construir la sociedad que queremos ser." The audience applauded her dedication to the power of storytelling.
Eduard Fernández was awarded Best Male Performance for his work in Marco, where he embodies the character Enric Marco, involved in one of the most shocking historical deceptions. Fernández expressed gratitude for the opportunity to create meaningful cinema, saying, "Es una maravilla hacer cine por el gusto de hacer cine, de contarlo bien." He also honored his late co-star Fermí Reixach, dedicatory sentiments echoing through the audience.
The Forqué Awards ceremony not only recognized performances but also spotlighted significant works across various categories. The series Querer by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa won the award for Best Series, solidifying its acclaim among television productions.
Additional awards included Best Documentary going to Marisol, llámame Pepa, directed by Blanca Torres, and Best Animation awarded to Mariposas negras by David Baute. The event also recognized audiences' favorites, with the public prize going to the popular film Casa en llamas, which enjoyed substantial box office success.
The ceremony included categories emphasizing educational and cultural impact, such as the award for Film and Values, with El 47 taking this honor as well. The overall atmosphere was charged with excitement, showcasing the depth and breadth of talent within Spain’s cinematic community.
Significant changes were also introduced this year, including the redesign of the Forqué trophy by architect Víctor Ochoa, aimed at enhancing its presentation during the ceremony. Ochoa commented on the design, remarking, "Es dorado con matices que lo hacen mate o resplandeciente ante la cámara cuando lo movemos mostrando el rostro de José María," drawing attention to both aesthetic appeal and practicality.
The event culminated with performers and artistic displays reinforcing the importance of film and culture within society. The occasion was not only about awards but about celebrating collective achievement and individual brilliance.
With the Forqué Awards setting the stage for the season, several productions are now favorites as we anticipate the Goya Awards scheduled for February. Both La infiltrada and El 47 have captured the industry's attention, with their powerful narratives and compelling performances recognized by audiences and critics alike.
The recognition at the Forqué Awards not only forecasts success at the Goya Awards, but it also emphasizes the evolution of Spanish cinema as it embraces both traditional storytelling and modern thematic explorations. The prospect of upcoming award ceremonies holds promise for many filmmakers, and as the 2024 awards season progresses, all eyes will be on these remarkable works and their creators.
