Pepe Lorente has received the Goya 2025 award for Best Actor Revelation for his remarkable performance in the film 'La Estrella Azul'. The ceremony, celebrating Spanish cinema's achievements, was held at the Palacio de Congresos de Granada on February 8, 2025. Lorente’s portrayal of Mauricio Aznar, the lead singer of the influential band Más Birras, has captivated audiences and critics alike, solidifying him as one of the year's standout talents.
This year's Goya Awards witnessed fierce competition, but Lorente emerged victorious, surpassing contenders such as Óscar Lasarte and Cuti Carabajal. Collecting his award, Lorente expressed deep gratitude and reflected on the inspiration behind his role. “We have made a film, which I think is beautiful, deep, with meaning, which brings light, which is good, which nourishes. And we have created or evoked the soul of a necessary spirit, of an authentic artist,” he shared.
Javier Macipe, who directed 'La Estrella Azul', also received accolades at the ceremony, being awarded Best New Director. His cinematic vision has served not only to tell Aznar's story but to celebrate Aragonese culture through the lens of one artist's life. Speaking about the film’s impact, Lorente emphasized his pride for his roots, stating, “Aragón is the people I know from there, family... It’s very nice to be told I’m a source of pride for them because you made this film a cultural ceremony for the city and being part of it is what makes me happiest.”
The film, which serves as both biopic and musical exploration, details Aznar's rise and eventual struggles and his eventual voyage to Argentina, seeking inspiration from the folk music scene. 'La Estrella Azul' has experienced significant success, drawing over half a million euros at the box office, which is commendable considering its limited promotional budget and the challenging release timing coinciding with Oscar contenders.
During his acceptance speech, Lorente highlighted the heart of the project. The film is not just about recounting Aznar's life; it’s about bringing light to his authentic influence on others. Beyond the personal narrative, the film holds broader significance for showcasing the vibrancy of Aragonese music and culture, historically overshadowed by major Spanish cultural centers.
Competing against films like 'El 47' and 'La Inflitrada', which won awards for their contributors, 'La Estrella Azul' still shone brightly as it navigated eight nominations, including Best New Director and Best Film, solidifying its status as a regional favorite. The film's reception has evolved from sleeper success to cultural phenomenon, securing acclaim at various international film festivals before its Goya triumph.
Adding depth to his speech, Lorente lauded Aznar's spirit. He remarked, “Mauricio Aznar, my friend, like Atahualpa Yupanqui said, ‘we are pilgrims of a distant and beautiful dream’.” Such sentiments encapsulate the essence of the film—honoring the memory and artistic legacy of Aznar, who left his mark on the Zaragoza music scene during the late 80s and early 90s.
Lauded for his charisma and depth, Lorente’s performance established him as one of Spain's new leading actors. Prior to his role as Aznar, he had notable appearances in films such as 'La Maternal' and popular series 'Élite'. His transformative work has not only earned him the Goya but also restored interest in Aznar's life story, invoking conversations about the importance of cultural heritage and local artistry.
Pepe Lorente’s win is not only personal but stands as triumph for the Aragonese community, which has often felt unrecognized on the national stage. His heartfelt address about pride for his origins, dedication to the film, and recognition of the intricacies of Aznar's life highlights the communal spirit inherent in the act of storytelling.
The 39th edition of the Goya Awards was celebrated with additional honors, including accolades for 'La Virgen Roja', winning for Best Costume Design and Best Art Direction. These recognitions shed light on the talent within the Aragonese cinema sector, hinting at a burgeoning period for the region’s artistic contributions.
Overall, the event marked not just individual victories but emphasized the growing recognition of regional talent within Spanish cinema. With films like 'La Estrella Azul', there’s hope for more stories to emerge, bringing Aragonese culture to the forefront and inspiring the next generation of storytellers.