Spanish artist Antón Álvarez, widely known as C. Tangana, enjoyed a stellar night at the Goya Awards 2025, taking home two coveted awards, marking his growing influence both as a musician and filmmaker. His wins included the prestigious Goya for Best Documentary for his film La guitarra flamenca de Yerai Cortés and Best Original Song for Los Almendros, making it his first significant foray as a director. The awards ceremony, held in Granada, served not only to honor achievements but also to reflect on the nature of forgiveness and acceptance.
Dressed sharply, reminiscent of the elegance of banking suits from another era, C. Tangana relished the moment, embracing the accolades with humility. During his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude to the film industry, where he felt somewhat of an outsider: “I know I’m somewhat of an intruder here. I promise to welcome any actor who steps over to music, just as you’ve welcomed me,” he remarked, acknowledging the blend of artistic disciplines and his new role as filmmaker.
His acceptance of the Goya for La guitarra flamenca de Yerai Cortés was particularly poignant, as it dealt with the fusion of music and narrative, showcasing the creative process of the flamenco guitarist Yerai Cortés. Tangana's depiction of their collaboration highlighted how introspective storytelling interweaves with performance to create impactful art. “This is a film about comprehension and forgiveness,” Tangana stated during his speech. “I don’t know about you all, but I constantly make mistakes. I must ask for forgiveness repeatedly, and so do you. Let's be compassionate and let people err; as mistakes grow, our need for forgiveness becomes greater,” he emphasized.
The sphere of discussion broadened when Tangana addressed the controversy surrounding Karla Sofía Gascón, who faced severe backlash due to past tweets. Though she was not present at the ceremony, her situation loomed large. Tangana stated, “It makes me feel sad for her. Everyone could have their past brought up; I don’t think there’s anyone who hasn’t said something outrageous at some point,” underlining the importance of empathy. His heartfelt sentiment echoed through the attendees, showcasing the artist's ability to blend his wins with social consciousness.
Before the ceremony, on the red carpet, he mentioned Gascón's absence and the difficulties she faced, indicating his wish to embrace her during this challenging time. “I suppose she feels like wanting to bury her head underground right now,” he said about Gascón, who was significantly absent from promotions for the upcoming film Emilia Pérez due to the controversy. Tangana's perspective reflected not only his support for fellow artists but also hinted at the consequences of digital footprints and the reshaping of public figures’ lives.
Work on La guitarra flamenca de Yerai Cortés served as Tangana's artistic ground zero, where he documented Yerai’s search for identity and creativity intertwined with family stories rooted deeply within flamenco traditions. “Yerai showed me this idea for his visual aspect of the project —it captivated me, so I delved more narratively,” he elaborated on their collaboration, framing his personal artistic evolution rooted deeply within shared experiences.
During the gala, his win for Best Original Song with Yerai Cortés under the title Los Almendros also served to connect audiences with the emotive forces of flamenco music. The charm of this collaboration woven together with commitment to artistic integrity provided layers to the evening’s festivities. Tangana dedicated this success to his girlfriend, photographer Rocío Aguirre, sharing, “I carry her in my soul,” which tugged at heartstrings within the audience.
Overall, C. Tangana's recognition at the Goya Awards was notable not only for his artistic endeavors but also for the manner he chose to express solidarity, compassion, and hope within the industry. His candid remarks on forgiveness and the struggles of individuals overwhelmed by past actions reminded many of the nuanced conversations necessary within creative spaces. It appears this night not only marked his melodic triumphs but also set the tone for what influence he might wield moving forward.