Spanish Film “Sundays” Dominates Feroz Awards Amidst Industry Calls for Accountability
PONTEVEDRA, Spain – Alauda Ruiz de Azúa’s “Sundays” swept the Feroz Awards Saturday night, taking home five statuettes and solidifying its position as a frontrunner for the upcoming Goya Awards, Spain’s national film prizes. The film, which explores a young woman’s contemplation of a life of cloistered monasticism, won for Best Dramatic Film, among other accolades, surpassing Oliver Laxe’s internationally acclaimed “Sirat,” which recently garnered two Oscar nominations.
The Feroz Awards, presented by the Association of Spanish Film Critics (AICE), are considered a key indicator of success in the Spanish film industry. This year’s ceremony, held in Pontevedra, went beyond celebrating cinematic achievement, becoming a platform for addressing pressing social issues.
“This focus media attention doesn’t just concern you,” AICE director María Guerra told the assembled filmmakers and actors, emphasizing the industry’s role as a “reflection of society.” “What happens here also happens outside, and we at AICE always stand with the victims.” Guerra underscored the importance of journalistic integrity in the digital age, highlighting the need to combat misinformation and the dedication required for investigative reporting, specifically referencing ongoing investigations by elDiario.es and Univision into allegations of sexual abuse against singer Julio Iglesias.
The ceremony also provided a space to address the broader issues of labor rights and historical injustices. Presenters referenced the 1975 general strike of actors, and a moment was dedicated to acknowledging the accusations leveled against Iglesias by two former employees of his estates.
“I long for the day when films about sexual abuse are only fiction,” said presenter Elisabet Casanovas, reflecting a sentiment echoed throughout the evening.
Beyond the awards themselves, the Feroz Awards served as a platform for artists to voice their concerns. Actor Secun de la Rosa dedicated his award for Best Supporting Actor for “Superstar” to Leonardo Dantés, the artist he portrayed, lamenting the lack of sustained recognition for artistic talent. Director Alauda Ruiz de Azúa urged audiences to support cinema by attending theaters and experiencing films at a human pace, resisting the temptation to fast-forward through the art form.
Patricia López Arnaiz took home the award for Best Leading Actress for her role in “Sundays,” using her acceptance speech to highlight the vulnerability of children and advocate for support systems free from manipulation. Jose Ramon Soroiz was recognized as Best Leading Actor for “Maspalomas,” a film that sheds light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ seniors in care facilities.
Oliver Laxe accepted the award for Best Original Music for “Sirat,” a category for which the film is also nominated at the Oscars. A surprise performance by a choir dedicating a song to Yurena, nominated for “Superstar,” added an emotional layer to the event.
Julia de Castro, winning Best Supporting Actress for “Poquita fe,” delivered a powerful message, calling for the “erotization of kindness” and urging an end to the normalization of verbal violence online and in personal interactions.
The Feroz Awards also honored veteran actress Marta Fernández-Muro with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating her five decades of contributions to Spanish cinema.
Feroz Award Winners:
- Best Dramatic Film: Sundays
- Best Comedy Film: La cena
- Best Director: Alauda Ruiz de Azúa (Sundays)
- Best Leading Actress: Patricia López Arnaiz (Sundays)
- Best Leading Actor: Jose Ramon Soroiz (Maspalomas)
- Best Supporting Actress: Nagore Aranburu (Sundays)
- Best Supporting Actor: Kandido Uranga (Maspalomas)
- Best Screenplay: Alauda Ruiz de Azúa (Sundays)
The awards underscore a vibrant period for Spanish cinema, marked not only by artistic achievement but also by a growing commitment to social responsibility and a willingness to use the platform to address critical issues facing society. The success of “Sundays” positions it as a strong contender for the Goya Awards, further cementing its place in the landscape of contemporary Spanish film.