The 39th edition of the prestigious Goya Awards is set to take place on February 8, 2025, at the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos of Granada. This ceremonial event marks the eighth time the awards are held outside Madrid, making it particularly significant for both local culture and the economy.
The excitement leading up to the event is palpable, especially within the hospitality sector. Gregorio García, the president of the Provincial Hospitality Federation of Granada, confirmed during interviews on public radio programs, "The hotels are fully booked for Saturday, and only some beds remain for this Friday." This influx of visitors is expected to generate approximately "80 million euros of influence for the city," according to Marifrán Carazo, the mayor of Granada. She noted the importance of such events for accelerating cultural and economic revitalization, stating it solidifies Granada's aspirations as the European Culture Capital of 2031.
The local witnessing of the Goya Awards is rich with sentimental value for many attendees. The Academy president, Fernando Méndez-Leite, remarked on the significance of showcasing quality cinema to Granada: "Our cinema arrives with great enthusiasm and features films of significant commercial success and recognition at festivals." He highlighted notable films such as La infiltrada, Casa en llamas, and El 47.
With the city adorned and the community engaged with events leading up to the gala, anticipation for the awards is soaring. The ceremony will be hosted by esteemed actresses Leonor Watling and Maribel Verdú. According to Méndez-Leite, the gala promises to be enjoyable and exciting, filled with musical performances and attended by stars from the Spanish film industry, including Antonio Banderas and Javier Bardem.
This year’s nominations reflect the rich talent within Spanish cinema, with special highlights for the region of Aragon, making headlines with 23 nominations across various categories. Celebrities like actor Salva Reina, nominated for his role in El 47, expressed his joy telling local reporters: "I am very emotional and happy for this nomination, especially since it’s taking place in Granada, such a special city for me where I studied and started my acting career."
Elaborate preparations for the ceremony have been planfully woven through community spirit and cultural significance. The mayor commented, "Granada is immersed in wonderful cultural projects, and the film industry will be pivotal to our goals as we aspire to become the European Capital of Culture for 2031. Events like the Goya Awards reaffirm this commitment to enhancing our local artistic and cultural frameworks."
On the legislative front, during the awards ceremony, Méndez-Leite plans to address the pending film law, artist rights, and opportunities for integrating cinema within educational systems, highlighting the industry's contributions to the economy, urging the government for necessary reforms. He mentioned, "We are workers who make films," underpinning the community's strength and resilience.
Reflecting on the rich stories and growth these awards celebrate, Morales emphasized how the Goya Awards not only provide recognition for outstanding performances and productions but also strengthen the cultural fabric of Spanish society and the cities it touches.
Luxurious experiences await the guests and nominees as they immerse themselves—the facility and milieu of Granada offering more than just awards. The city's beauty, stupendous architecture, and culinary delights amalgamate within this cultural gala, embellished with history and promise.
All eyes will be on the Palacio de Congresos on the night of February 8, 2025, as it transforms itself for one of the most illustrious evenings of Spanish cinema, showcasing talent and celebrating artistry amid the vibrant backdrop of Granada.