Carolina Yuste is making waves once again, this time with her nomination for the prestigious Goya Award for Best Actress for her compelling performance in "La infiltrada," directed by Arantxa Echevarría. This marks her third collaboration with Echevarría and her recent efforts set her on course to potentially join the ranks of the elite actresses who have more than one Goya to their name, alongside notable figures like Penélope Cruz and Carmen Maura.
Born in Badajoz in 1991, Yuste first gained widespread recognition when she won her first Goya for Best Supporting Actress thanks to her role in the groundbreaking film "Carmen y Lola" (2019). Last year, she was close to claiming the title of Best Actress for "Saben aquell," but fellow actress Malena Alterio secured the award instead. This year, Yuste’s impressive performance as Aránzazu Berradre Marín, known by her code name, has caught the attention of critics and audiences alike.
"La infiltrada" has become one of the most talked-about films of the season, garnering 13 nominations at the upcoming Goya ceremony, establishing itself as the second most nominated film at the event. Yuste's character, who spent eight years undercover within ETA, is depicted as a fearless woman who sacrificed her future and identity, playing a pivotal role in dismantling the terrorist organization. Critics have commended the film for its gripping portrayal of the harsh realities faced during the tumultuous era of the 90s. Juan Sardá, writing for El Cultural, noted, "One of the film's achievements is getting back to this crazy world… and portraying it with talent and care."
While Yuste faces fierce competition for the award, particularly from Emma Vilarasau for her role in "Casa en llamas," her performance has drawn significant praise. Both actress's performances are seen as front-runners for the coveted title. Yuste herself reflects on the film's success, acknowledging the importance of stories about women directed and produced by women, stating during an interview, "For me, it is tremendously important… I cannot forget the privilege entails responsibility, and if it’s not applied to social issues, then one is merely foolish." This commitment to social responsibility resonates throughout her career choices.
Yuste's collaboration with Echevarría has paved the way for tackling narratives often overlooked, particularly those involving female empowerment. “If I had been a man, the film would have been made earlier,” Echevarría stated, highlighting gender disparities within the film industry.
Aside from "La infiltrada," Yuste is also involved in various projects demonstrating her versatility. She continues to stretch her artistic talents on stage with her latest theater role as Little Red Riding Hood in "Caperucita en Manhattan." Yuste draws inspiration from her experiences to fuel her roles—she recently co-directed and starred in the short film "Ciao Bambina," which was nominated for Best Documentary Short at the Goya Awards.
Yuste describes the project as "a story of reconciliation of what one is," echoing her commitment to inclusivity and representation within cinema.
Her previous Goya win established her as one of Spain's most promising talents, but Yuste seems determined to defy traditional expectations of such accolades. She views her roles not just as performances but as opportunities to amplify important social messages and evoke reflection among audiences. With numerous projects on the horizon, Yuste is set to appear next as Massiel, exploring the iconic singer’s Eurovision triumph, indicating her relentless pursuit of challenging roles.
Looking forward to the Goya Awards ceremony, Yuste's nomination symbolizes not just personal achievement but also the growing recognition of women's narratives and contributions within the film industry. The intensity of the competition may be high, but her artistry and dedication to socially aware storytelling pave the way for her potential victory.
The upcoming Goya Awards not only signify excellence in Spanish cinema but also represent the dance between recognition and representation. Could this be the year Carolina Yuste walks away with another award?