The 2025 Goya Awards, one of Spain's most anticipated celebrations of cinematic talent, will proceed on February 8th at the Palacio de Congresos, Granada, but it will be without some of its most high-profile figures. Pedro Almodóvar, Julianne Moore, Tilda Swinton, and Penélope Cruz will be notable absentees, each with their unique reasons for missing this prestigious event.
Pedro Almodóvar, the acclaimed director behind numerous iconic films, confirmed he won't attend due to suffering from "a domestic accident," as reported by sources close to the director to Europa Press. This announcement came just days before the gala during which Almodóvar's film, La habitación de al lado, is nominated for ten Goya awards, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Almodóvar's absence is particularly felt, as he is celebrated not just for his films, but also as one of the cornerstones of Spanish cinema.
Adding to the disappointment, both Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, who shine in the film as the leading actresses, have cited "scheduling conflicts" as their reason for not attending. These two talented actresses are also nominated for Best Actress at the ceremony, making their absence even more poignant for fans and fellow creators alike.
The Goya Awards will also miss one of its most beloved figures, Penélope Cruz, who revealed her inability to attend due to illness—a bout of the flu. She expressed deep regret through the Academy of Cinema’s official channels, declaring, "The actress feels ‘unable to be present at such a special night for Spanish cinema. I was really looking forward to traveling to Granada to reunite with my colleagues and celebrate their work.’” Her absence is felt particularly strongly, as Cruz was expected to present one of the night’s most coveted awards.
On the other hand, the ceremony will still host notable figures such as Javier Bardem, who will take to the stage to present awards, bringing some level of star power to the night. Richard Gere is also set to receive the Goya Internacional, and Aitana Sánchez-Gijón will be honored with the Goya de Honor, contributing to the event's allure.
This year’s ceremony is characterized by its mix of celebration and notable grievances, particularly with the absence of the award-winning trio from Almodóvar's film. Their presence would have not only highlighted the film's achievement but also captivated attendees with their individual accolades. La habitación de al lado, leading with ten nominations, showcases some of Almodóvar's most inventive work. Competing for categories like Best Music Original, Best Art Direction, and even Best Makeup and Hairstyling, the film's prospects for the night remain high, though under the cloud of its creator’s absence.
Despite the notable absences, the Goya Awards remain poised to be both impactful and entertaining. The awards ceremony will introduce viewers to new talent, including featured films like El 47 and La infiltrada, which lead with 14 and 13 nominations, respectively. Other films like Casa en llamas and La estrella azul also stand to gain recognition, illustrating the diverse excellence within Spanish cinema.
Interestingly, as the Goya Awards kick off, eyes are already beginning to turn toward the upcoming Oscars, scheduled for March 2nd. Though absent from the Goya ceremony, it is likely audiences will see the illustrious Almodóvar and Cruz making their red carpet appearances at this marquee event. Their absence from the Goya Awards may lead to heightened anticipation at the Oscars, where Almodóvar’s recent work might earn him international accolades.
The 2025 Goya Awards may face several challenges due to significant absences, yet the event stands to celebrate Spanish cinema's resilience and creativity. With or without its most famous stars, the night remains pivotal for future generations of filmmakers, ensuring the legacy of talent continues to thrive.