The 39th edition of the Goya Awards ceremony took place on February 8, 2025, at the Palacio de Congresos in Granada, marking another significant milestone for Spanish cinema. The event kicked off with much anticipation as the stars began to arrive on the red carpet around 19:00, leading up to the awards ceremony which commenced at 22:00.
This year's ceremony celebrated not only the films but also the growing diversity and talent within the Spanish film industry. With two cinematic favorites leading the way, El 47 racked up 14 nominations, and La infiltrada followed closely with 13 nominations. The nominations reflect the increasingly varied storytelling present within Spanish filmmaking, touching on pressing contemporary issues.
For the first time, two actresses were at the helm of the ceremony as presenters, Maribel Verdú and Leonor Watling, adding to the historic nature of the night. "I am excited to present with Maribel Verdú tonight," stated Watling, highlighting the unique opportunity to lead the gala as women. The pair aimed to highlight the importance of women’s voices both behind and on-screen.
The awards focused on films such as Casa en llamas and Segundo premio, which also garnered significant acclaim. Emma Vilarasau, highlighted for her role as the emotionally drained mother in Casa en llamas, faced tough competition for Best Actress against her fellow nominees. El 47's lead actor Eduard Fernández was among the favorites to take home the Best Actor award for his compelling performance.
Aitana Sánchez-Gijón received the Honorary Goya for her lifetime achievements. "This Goya of Honor means feeling loved by my colleagues," she expressed, reflecting on her long career and the recognition from peers.
Meanwhile, famed American actor Richard Gere was awarded the International Goya for his remarkable contributions to cinema worldwide. His presence at the Goya Awards underscored the event’s significance beyond Spanish borders.
The red carpet certainly delivered, with stars wearing designer fashion, amplifying the excitement of the evening. Macarena García, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Casa en llamas, showcased stunning couture on the red carpet. Photographed amid welcoming cheers, she remarked, "This year's ceremony is about celebrating diverse cinema and honoring those who tell our stories."
The atmosphere was electric as journalists and fans lined up to catch glimpses of their favorite celebrities. Social media played its part with influencers like Chiara Ferragni gracing the scene as she flaunted her stunning red gown, defying the surrounding controversy trailing her recent personal life.
Performances from notable musicians, including Alejandro Sanz and Rigoberta Bandini, electrified the crowd, mixing music with cinematic excellence. Along with high-energy acts, the audience enjoyed emotional moments acknowledging important themes threaded throughout the films recognized this year.
The ceremony wrapped up with each award announced amid cheers and applause, as the night remained firmly anchored on celebrating the vibrant and diverse cinematic talent of Spain. The Goya Awards have, year after year, not only recognized remarkable achievements but also rooted for the evolution of storytelling through art.
This year's gala was not merely about awards; it was about recognition, diversity, and moving forward together to tell the stories of our times.