Pepe Lorente has emerged victorious at the 2025 Goya Awards, claiming the prestigious honor of Best New Actor for his powerful portrayal of Maurico Aznar in the film, La estrella azul. The ceremony, which celebrated its 39th edition, took place on Saturday at the Palacio de Congresos de Granada, showcasing the best of Spanish cinema.
This year, Lorente's performance stood out among notable nominees including Cuti Carabajal, Óscar Lasarte, Cristalino, and Daniel Ibáñez. Each candidate brought their unique talents to the screen, but it was Lorente who captured the audience's heart as he took to the stage to accept his award.
“Qué maravilla, qué ilusión,” stated Lorente as he expressed his gratitude to the accolades and the opportunity to share this moment with his fellow nominees. He dedicated the award to those closest to him, honoring the memory of his father by saying, “I dedicate this award to the memory of my father, who, though it was not his intention, planted the seed of acting and seeking within me.”
Larente's portrayal of Aznar, the musician known for his struggle with addiction and his pursuit of artistic authenticity, resonates deeply with audiences. The character, who was once deeply influenced by the Argentine folklore artist Atahualpa Yupanqui, travels from Spain to Argentina seeking redemption and inspiration, which Lorente embodied with remarkable depth and nuance.
Reflecting on the beginning of this transformative role, Lorente recounted how one fateful encounter changed his life forever: “A friend was talking to this very curious guy: he had sideburns, a pompadour, and was carrying his guitar on his back. He looked like he came from another world.” That intriguing figure turned out to be the musician Mauricio Aznar, casting the vision for Lorente's future performance.
With the film La estrella azul significantly raising Lorente's profile, the recognition by the Goya Academy serves as both validation and motivation for the actor. He remarked, “This is for the mother of Mauricio, for Ingrid, for his siblings, his family, his friends, and for Zaragoza, my beloved Aragón.” This sincerity not only underlines his roots but also points to the collaborative spirit of filmmaking.
Although the Goya for Best New Actor was Lorente’s first, it reflects his years of commitment to the craft. Over the years, he has appeared in various productions, including roles on television shows like Amar es para siempre and featured films such as Resucitado. His recent projects show promise, including participation in the upcoming film Un asunto de honor, directed by Vincent Pérez, and the series Los Muértimer, showcasing his versatility as both singer and actor.
The Goya Awards serve as a significant highlight within the Spanish cinema, where burgeoning talents like Lorente are not only celebrated but also positioned at the forefront of the industry's future. His win at the awards, amid strong competition, reinforces the importance of storytelling, individuality, and emotional truth on screen.
This year’s ceremony was filled with various emotions and celebrations, but none illustrated the triumph of perseverance and the power of narrative quite like Lorente's heartfelt acceptance. With aspirations to continue performing and exploring new characters, Pepe Lorente’s career is set to flourish, bolstered by this monumental award and the applause from both industry peers and fans alike.
The continued recognition of such actors highlights the shifting tastes and the fertile ground for storytelling within Spain's cultural space. His victory not only honors his past work but also sets the tone for the brightly blossoming future of Spanish cinema, where every actor’s voice counts and every story deserves to be told.