The anticipation is building for the 39th edition of the Goya Awards, set to take place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones de Granada. This renowned event celebrating Spanish cinema will kick off at 22:00 and will be broadcast live on La 1 of TVE, alongside streaming options on RTVE Play.
For the first time, the ceremony will be presented by two women: Maribel Verdú and Leonor Watling. Verdú will return to host after 20 years, and for Watling, this marks her debut. Their participation signals not only progress for gender representation but also heightens the excitement around this year’s gala. "La ceremonia estará conducida por primera vez por dos mujeres, Maribel Verdú y Leonor Watling," noted CulturaOcio.
Political presence is set to be significant at this year's Goya Awards. Confirmed attendees include Spain's President Pedro Sánchez, who has participated in prior editions, reflecting his support for the arts. His previous engagements at the Goya Awards took place amid various circumstances—attending the events held in Valladolid (2024), Sevilla (2023), and Valencia (2022). Notably, his absence was due to earlier scheduling conflicts during the 2019 and 2021 ceremonies.
This year's political lineup will also feature Yolanda Díaz, the second Vice President and Minister of Labor and Social Economy, and Ernest Urtasun, Minister of Culture. They have both confirmed their attendance, as highlighted by political sources. contrasting with the absence of the conservative leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, who will instead be attending a forum with city mayors on housing issues. The participation of various political figures at Goya events has been customary for years, establishing the ceremony as significant beyond mere entertainment.
Meanwhile, the royal family of Spain will not make an appearance, continuing their historical pattern. Kings Felipe VI and Letizia have attended only once, back in 1987, and the last royal presence occurred when the now King attended the ceremony in 2000. The limited involvement of royal guests over the years points to the separating of state celebration from artistic endeavors.
One of the highlights this year is the emotional tribute to Marisa Paredes, who passed away recently. A collection of musical performances by celebrated artists, including Alejandro Sanz and Lola Índigo, will enrich the ceremony. This addition enhances the ambience and reinforces the cultural significance of the event beyond just the awards.
Of notable interest, "El 47" is leading this year's nominations with 14 nods, followed closely by "La infiltrada" with 13 nominations. Other prominent films include Pedro Almodóvar's "La habitación de al lado" with 10 nominations, and "Segundo premio" with 11 nods. These films represent the diverse storytelling present within Spanish cinema today.
The Goya Awards holds a unique position as the most prestigious accolades within Spanish film, celebrating excellence, cultural commentary, and the evolution of cinematic storytelling. This year’s awards are particularly noteworthy as they are hosted outside Madrid for the eighth time.
Coverage of the event and red carpet highlights will start hours earlier. RTVE.es will provide live updates beginning at 18:00, followed by special pre-show events showcasing interviews with nominees and celebrities. This pre-show will culminate with the official airing at 22:00.
Viewers can look forward to observing not only the awards but also the rich visual spectacle of the ceremony and how political and cultural figures interact within this esteemed event. The blending of political acknowledgment with artistic celebration reaffirms the Goya Awards as more than just recognition, but as a societal mirror reflecting the challenges and triumphs present within Spain today.
With the diverse array of films nominated and political figures making notable appearances, the anticipation for the 2025 Goya Awards continues to build, promising to not only be delightful entertainment but also a heartfelt acknowledgment of the arts’ role within society.