The 39th edition of the Goya Awards will be remembered for making history with an unprecedented event: for the first time ever, the Best Film award was presented ex aequo to two productions, "El 47" and "La infiltrada." The outcome shocked attendees at the Palacio de Congresos de Granada, where the announcement led to moments of disbelief followed by applause and celebration from the winning teams.
"Qué bonito compartir esto con nuestros compañeros de El 47," expressed the team from "La infiltrada" after the unexpected announcement. This thrilling ceremony took place on February 8, 2025, and showcased the dynamic between audience expectations and the reality of award selections.
While "La infiltrada," directed by Arantxa Echevarría, tells the gripping story of Aranzazu Berradre, the only woman to infiltrate the terrorist group ETA, it was the other winner, "El 47," directed by Marcel Barrena, which stole much of the spotlight. The film portrays the life and struggles of Manuel Vital, a bus driver from Barcelona who takes justice and community matters upon himself. Ending the night with five statuettes, including Best Actress for Clara Segura, "El 47" proved to be the darling of the ceremony.
Underlining the competitive atmosphere, the Best Actress award was clinched by Carolina Yuste for her role as the undercover agent. This marked her second consecutive nomination and showcased her incredible range as an actress. Previously recognized with a first Goya for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in "Carmen y Lola," Yuste's victory came amid stiff competition, with notable nominees also including Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton.
During her acceptance speech, Yuste passionately implored society to address urgent political and social responsibilities, declaring, "No podemos usar la herida y el dolor de la gente para sacar rédito político. Respeto y amor, por favor!" Her strong advocacy for dignified housing signified the growing trend of social concern reflected during the award nominations and winners.
Meanwhile, the Goya Awards ceremony was not without its controversies. "Emilia Pérez," featuring Karla Sofía Gascón, won Best European Film, but faced scrutiny due to Gascón's past offending tweets. Although she was absent, the controversy loomed large, drawing critiques around both her and the film's recognition. Notably, J.A. Bayona, addressing the backlash, emphasized the dangers of social media and public opinion overpowering artistic expression.
Richard Gere also graced the stage, receiving the Goya de Honor for his contributions to film. He used the platform to declare the current political environment as bleak, calling the U.S. President "un matón" and rallying for resilience against hatred. Gere's sentiments echoed through the night, with numerous speeches reflecting concerns over governance, social justice, and the power of art.
Eduard Fernández, awarded Best Actor for his role in "Marco," expressed the importance of solidarity among communities during his speech, alluding to the rising tide of fascism. He cautioned the audience, saying, "Cuidado, que vienen tiempos difíciles." Such themes of community and shared struggle were prevalent throughout the event.
The performances during the gala also contributed to the evening's emotional weight, with artists commemoratively singing tribute songs reflective of Spanish heritage and culture. Notably, the Alhambra provided the backdrop for musical acts, drawing upon Granada's cultural significance.
The intensity of the celebrations was reflected not just through the wins but through the artistic synergy exhibited by Spanish cinema. Both "Segundo premio" and "La habitación de al lado," directed by renowned Pedro Almodóvar, swept away three Goyas each, reinforcing the stature of these filmmakers and their continued relevance within cinematic conversations.
Looking at the final list of accolades, "El 47" topped the charts with five awards, closely followed by its counterparts, which showcased the depth of talent within the Spanish film industry. The 2025 Goya Awards served not only as recognition of cinematic excellence but as a powerful reminder of the cultural milieu necessary to navigate today's society.
Indeed, as these awards spotlight the best of Spanish cinema, they also invite discourse on the role of culture and entertainment within the broader frameworks of socio-political currents, reminding all participants of the inherent responsibilities tied to artistic expression.
With hopes high for the next generation of filmmakers, the Goya Awards 2025 were both celebratory and deeply reflective, leading audiences and participants to ponder film's capacity to drive change and promote dialogue. While the ceremony wrapped up, the discussions surrounding the issues raised appear just as significant as the acknowledgment of achievements celebrated on stage.