The 39th edition of the Goya Awards was held on February 8, 2025, marking the first time this prestigious celebration of Spanish cinema took place outside of Madrid, as it moved to the beautiful city of Granada. Esteemed hosts Maribel Verdú and Leonor Watling guided the evening, aiming to highlight the rich history and diverse talents of the Spanish film industry.
The ceremony attracted significant attention this year, with major nominees such as 'El 47' leading the charge with 14 nominations and 'La infiltrada' closely following with 13. Both films are solid contenders and captured the interest of critics and audiences alike, setting expectations high for the winners.
'El 47' has been recognized recently at the Forqué and Gaudí Awards, adding to its momentum as it contests for the Goya's top honor. Its story revolves around the struggles for housing in Barcelona, contextualizing its themes within the current socio-political climate of Spain. Meanwhile, 'La infiltrada' is gaining traction not only for its engaging narrative about undercover police work but also for its commercial success at the box office, drawing viewers with its thrilling portrayal of conflicts inherent to law enforcement and society.
Viewers tuned in eagerly to catch all the excitement, as the event kicked off with coverage of the glamorous red carpet, set to broadcast on La 1 and various online platforms from 19:00. The ceremony, expected to last approximately three hours, featured not only the awards but also musical performances from popular artists like Alejandro Sanz and Amaral, making it not just an award ceremony but also a celebration of Spanish culture.
Adding to the evening’s excitement were two high-profile honorees. The Goya de Honor was awarded to Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, who has had nearly four decades of influence across film, theater, and television. Her acclaimed performances have established her as one of the leading figures in the industry, and receiving this honor was fitting for her storied career.
On the international front, Richard Gere received the Goya Internacional for his significant contributions to global cinema. Having anchored numerous iconic films throughout his career, Gere’s recognition speaks to the universal language of storytelling embraced by the Goyas, which aim to unite different cultures through film.
Among the presenters set to distribute the awards were familiar faces of Spanish cinema, including actors and directors who have left their marks, like Elena Anaya, Susi Sánchez, and renowned filmmaker Alejandro Amenábar. Their participation added prestige to the event, underscoring the importance of collaboration within the arts.
The nominees for Best Director include heavyweights like Pedro Almodóvar, whose film 'La habitación de al lado' snagged 10 nominations. Unfortunately, both Almodóvar and leading actress Penelope Cruz were unable to attend due to health issues, marking bittersweet absences from this celebrated night.
With its new setting and the array of nominations, including historically significant achievements among female filmmakers and diverse stories represented, this year’s Goya Awards presented not merely awards but also discussions on representation within the industry.
The anticipation surrounding the results fueled conversations of both expected winners and potential surprises, particularly with the evening highlighting films like 'Casa en llamas' and 'Segundo premio', which portray unique narratives of creativity and social awareness. The outcome was eagerly awaited, with many predicting outcomes but ready for the surprises the Goya Awards are known for delivering.
The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with anticipation of who would take home the coveted statues. With the combined spectacle of performances, heartfelt speeches, and moments of recognition, the Goya Awards 2025 promised to be not just about the awards themselves but also about celebrating the collective creativity and resilience of Spanish cinema.