Madrid was the dazzling stage for the 30th edition of the Forqué Awards, held on December 14, 2024. The awards celebrate excellence within the Spanish film and television industries, marking the official launch of the awards season leading up to the prestigious Goya Awards. This year, the evening was replete with emotional tributes and compelling narratives, highlighting films and series taking on significant social issues.
The evening’s standout productions were 'El 47', directed by Marcel Barrena, and 'Querer', created by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa. Both received notable accolades, affirming their status as frontrunners for future awards. 'El 47' won the coveted title of Best Feature Film and also was recognized for its contribution to education and values through cinema. Its touching narrative revolves around the struggle for housing rights, reflecting on real events from 1978 when the residents of the Barcelona suburb, Torré Baró, fought against municipal neglect. Barrena, who co-wrote the screenplay, emphasized the message of dignity and inclusion during his acceptance speech, highlighting the importance of social justice and human rights.
Eduard Fernández’s performance as the protagonist earned him the Best Actor award—not just for 'El 47' but for his role in another film, 'Marco', where he portrays Enric Marco, who famously posed as a Holocaust survivor. "It’s thrilling to see how stories about the struggle for basic rights resonate so powerfully, reminding us of our responsibilities to each other," said Fernández during the ceremony.
Alongside 'El 47', the television series 'Querer' made waves by clinching three awards, including Best Drama Series. The show tackles the difficult subject of sexual consent within marriage and follows the character Miren, who, after years of suffering, chooses to confront her husband over his abuse. The series won leading actor accolades for Pedro Casablanc and best actress for Nagore Aranburu. Both performers used their moment to address the inherit struggles faced by victims of domestic violence. "This award is dedicated to all men and women suffering silently from gender-based violence," said Aranburu.
On the documentary front, the award for Best Documentary went to 'Marisol, llámame Pepa', directed by Blanca Torres. The film pays homage to Pepa Flores, one of Spain’s beloved cinema icons during the Franco regime. Recognized for her remarkable contributions to cinema, Torres expressed her gratitude for having the opportunity to tell Flores’ story. "Let this film be a reminder of someone who not only entertained but inspired people during challenging times," she stated emotionally as she accepted her award.
Despite the celebrations, not every nominee walked away with an award. The film 'La Estrella Azul', which was highly favored with three nominations, left the event empty-handed, prompting reflections on the competitive nature of the industry. Pepe Lorente had been nominated for his leading role, sharing the disappointment within the team, acknowledging the value of their storytelling work.
Although the representation of Aragonese cinema shone with numerous nominations including 'Evanescente', directed by Gala Gracia, only Torres secured the accolade for her documentary. This disparity confirmed the challenging yet vibrant nature of Spanish film, showcasing the potential and dedication of local filmmakers.
The evening was not just about recognition; it served as a platform to raise awareness about pressing social issues. Many of the award recipients touched on themes requiring attention—such as gender violence, equality, and the right to housing—while encouraging dialogue about these matters through their art. The attendees left with aspirations to continue elevatng such narratives through cinema.
The Forqué Awards, organized by the Spanish producer's association EGEDA, have continued their tradition over three decades, reflecting the evolution of Spanish film. This year, the ceremony concluded with significant musical tributes, including performances celebrating the intersection of music and film, reflecting the cultural richness of Spain.
Overall, the night was more than just awards; it was about the voices represented and the stories shared. The spotlight shone on culturally significant narratives, confirming the role of cinema as not just entertainment but as a force for social change and reflection.
