The 39th Goya Awards nominations have been announced, spotlighting both commercial hits and critically acclaimed works as contenders for the prestigious Spanish cinema honors. This year's front-runners are 'El 47' with 14 nominations and 'La infiltrada' with 13, representing both the dramatic and box office successes. Meanwhile, 'Segundo premio' and 'La habitación de al lado,' directed by the renowned Pedro Almodóvar, also feature prominently with 11 and 10 nominations respectively.
The nominations were unveiled on December 18, 2024, by actors Natalia de Molina and Álvaro Cervantes from the picturesque backdrop of Granada, which will host the award ceremony on February 8, 2025. This is the first time two actresses will co-host the event, with Maribel Verdú and Leonor Watling at the helm.
Interestingly, this year’s nominations have led to some surprising omissions. Despite its success and multiple nominations, 'La habitación de al lado,' which earned the prestigious León de Oro at this year’s Venice Film Festival, did not make it to the list for Best Film. It was nonetheless recognized for both its leading actresses, Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, as well as for Best Director, affirming its artistic merit.
'El 47,' directed by Marcel Barrena, highlights the challenges faced by marginalized communities, earning acclaim as the highest-grossing Catalan film of the last 40 years. It competes against 'La infiltrada' by Arantxa Echevarría, which tells the story of undercover police efforts against ETA and explores themes of loyalty and duty.
The nominations also reflect the diversity of cinema produced in Spain, with 'Casa en llamas' earning eight nominations and 'La estrella azul' matching it. Both films resonate with audiences, each telling unique stories anchored in Spanish culture and experiences.
Among the nominated films, 'Segundo premio' stands out as the representative for Spain at the Oscars, setting it apart from other entries. Despite being well-received critically, it, along with many others, must compete within the domestic circuit to clinch its place as the favorite.
A key aspect of this year's nominations is the Academy's attempt to balance mainstream appeal with artistic recognition. The Best Film category comprises titles like 'El 47,' 'La infiltrada,' 'La estrella azul,' and 'Casa en llamas,' all enjoying solid box-office success. This trend raises questions about the integration of festival circuit films, as major winners from prestigious festivals seem to be overlooked.
Other notable nominations include Patricia López Arnaiz for Best Actress for 'Los destellos,' and seasoned actors like Eduard Fernández, nominated for Best Actor for his role in 'Marco.' The competition looks fierce among established names and new talents alike.
This year’s nominations also hold sentimental value, as the ceremony will pay tribute to Marisa Paredes, the beloved actress who passed away recently. Minister of Culture Ernest Urtasun announced plans for a significant homage during the ceremony, reinforcing the Goya Awards' commitment to celebrating its history and icons. Urtasun remarked, “We will conduct significant recognition for Marisa, which I believe is the right place among her colleagues and loved ones.”
Expectations are high as the film community gears up for the event. Questions linger as to whether the ties between box office success and artistic acclaim will prove to be true once again with the winners of the Goya Awards. 2023 saw 'La sociedad de la nieve' claim the top honor and multiple others, proving the Academy’s inclination toward celebrating works beloved by the audience.
With so many nominees, this year's Goya Awards aim to encapsulate the vibrancy of Spanish cinema. The event will take place at the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones, marking another historic moment as the ceremony moves outside of Madrid for the eighth time.
The anticipation builds for the Goya Awards as the film industry awaits the winners. Each nominated film is rich with stories, drawing both local and international eyes to Spanish cinema's potential. Will the accolades favor the established successes or shine a light on hidden gems? Time will tell at the 39th Goya Awards!
