The prestigious 39th Goya Awards took place on Sunday, February 8, 2025, at the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos in Granada. This annual celebration of Spanish cinema was marked by notable nominations and some unexpected absences, including the renowned director Pedro Almodóvar and actress Penélope Cruz, both of whom were set to receive accolades for their contributions to the film industry. The evening began energetically with the red carpet rolled out at 7:00 PM, leading up to the much-anticipated awards ceremony hosted by Maribel Verdú and Leonor Watling, which commenced at 10:00 PM.
This year, films 'El 47', directed by Marcel Barrena, and 'La infiltrada', helmed by Arantxa Echevarría, stood out as the main favorites. They led the nominations with 14 and 13 nods, respectively, followed closely by 'Segundo Premio', which received 11 nominations. The cinematic community closely watched these films contest each other for the esteemed Goya prize for Best Film, making it one of the most fiercely competitive races yet.
Adding to the excitement were the tributes to significant contributors to the film industry: Richard Gere received the Goya Internacional award for his exceptional contributions to cinema, presented by actor Antonio Banderas. Meanwhile, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón was honored with the Goya de Honor for her illustrious 38-year career, recognizing her as a serious and dedicated actress who has significantly impacted Spanish cinema.
The absence of some well-known nominees created ripples throughout the evening. Almodóvar was unable to attend due to health issues. Cruz, who was slated to present one of the awards, also missed the ceremony, reportedly due to illness. Notably, Karla Sofía Gascón, at the center of controversy for past social media posts, opted out of the event altogether, allowing producers to collect the potential award for her film 'Emilia Pérez' without her presence.
The award categories showcased the talent of both veteran and newcomer filmmakers. Pedro Almodóvar's 'La Habitación de al Lado' stood strong as it competed for Best Director alongside Echevarría and Paula Ortiz for 'La Virgen Roja', and Aitor Arregi and Jon Garaño with 'Marco'. Along with the Best Picture category, the standout performances attract attention, especially with nominees such as Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton contending for Best Actress for their roles also in Almodóvar’s film.
This year, the performances of seasoned actors are being matched by the energy of rising stars. Notable mentions include actors like Carolina Yuste and Patricia López Arnáiz vying for Best Actress, enhancing the competitive spirit as the annual awards show continues to spotlight fresh talent alongside established names.
The ceremony also featured various musical acts, including performances by Alejandro Sanz and Amaral, which added flair to the glittering occasion. These artistic contributions not only entertained attendees but also celebrated the diverse talents present within Spanish cinema.
Environmental and gender equality themes subtly permeated the event as well, reflected by the artistic installations around Granada, where Goya's busts adorned with symbols of social activism garnered attention before and during the awards. These elements highlighted how the film community is beginning to address broader issues beyond the art itself, advocating for awareness and equity among the population.
Overall, the 39th Goya Awards delivered yet another compelling night dedicated to the celebration of Spanish cinema. With exciting nominations, heartfelt tributes, and performances showcasing some of the nation's most talented individuals, the ceremony continued to shape the future of film recognition and appreciation.