Eduard Fernández celebrated another monumental achievement on February 9, 2025, when he was awarded the Goya for Best Actor for his impactful role as Enric Marco in the film 'Marco.' This victory not only reflects Fernández's exceptional talent but also solidifies his status as one of Spain's leading actors, marking his fourth Goya win.
The award ceremony was held at the stunning Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones de Granada, where Fernández's performance as Marco—a man who deceived many by posing as a survivor of the Nazi concentration camp—captivated audiences and critics alike. Fernández's portrayal is noted for its complexity, capturing Marco's contradictory and often troubling essence.
Since the announcement of the nominations, Fernández was considered the clear favorite. His role garnered praise for its depth, showcasing themes of identity and morality. During his acceptance speech, Fernández stated, "This is the most complex character I have ever played," highlighting the intense preparation and emotional engagement required for the role.
Acclaim for Fernández extended beyond the ceremony. He beat out strong contenders for the honor, including Alberto San Juan and Urko Olazabal. His previous accolades for this character also included awards from the Gaudí and Feroz, painting a picture of the remarkable talent Fernández has exhibited throughout the past two years.
Invoking serious themes, Fernández did not shy away from confronting pressing societal issues during his speech. "The danger of fascism, the danger of ambiguous greetings—this is something we ought to remain vigilant against," he warned the audience. His words, encompassing historical contexts as various as Guantánamo and Gaza, urged collective awareness of the threats posed by extremism.
This Goya win places Fernández second among the most awarded actors, behind only the illustrious Javier Bardem. His accolades include two previous Goya Awards for Best Actor and two for Best Supporting Actor. This year’s ceremony has effectively crowned him as one of the titans of Spanish cinema, akin to legends such as Carmen Maura and Verónica Forqué.
What makes Fernández's achievement even richer is the emotional moment of receiving the award from his daughter, actress Greta Fernández. The familial bond underscored the occasion's significance. He expressed his appreciation, stating, "I thank my daughter Greta for presenting me with the award; this is for you all," before dedicatory remarks extended to his wife and family.
Reflecting on his career, Fernández noted the importance of continuing to explore characters of significant complexity. "My desire after this marvelous year is to have more characters like this, with outstanding directors," he shared, hinting at his aspirations for future performances.
The character of Enric Marco, which has allowed Fernández to explore varied human emotions and moral dilemmas, stands out as one of his most influential roles. Fernández acknowledged the intricacies and the moral gray areas surrounding Marco, stating, "This is someone who did many wrong things but also shed light on the stories of Spaniards imprisoned during the Nazi era, something we should not forget today."
Winning this prestigious award cements Eduard Fernández’s position not just as a gifted actor but as one who is willing to engage with historical truths through his art. The finale of his speech left audiences with the poignant reminder to cherish life, stating, "Let us be happy for as long as we can." This powerful message encapsulates not only the essence of his character's struggles but also resonates deeply with contemporary issues.
Through his accomplished career, blending tenacity with vulnerability, Fernández exemplifies the spirit of acting. His Goya recognition serves as both culmination and new beginning, promising audiences much more from the renowned actor.
Overall, the awards ceremony underscored not just individual success but the entire cultural fabric of Spanish cinema where stories like Marco's are brought to light by dedicated artists like Eduard Fernández.