Eight movie scenes in Los Goya

If the seventh art is sometimes a mirror of life, the 39th edition of Los Goya It was a celebration of lights and shadows, such as cinema itself. There were smiles and tears, love and debate, successes and mistakes, elegance and rudeness. Granada, with its melancholic beauty and its endless history became the main character of the evening, with permission from Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, Richard Gere and the rest of the winners. As in every good film, the gala left a clear message: cinema can be a version of the world and our society, a space where the big topics, from love to policy, They find their voice.

Take 1: Welcome, well written, and well done (but inevitably long)

The 39th Gala Goya Gala, as a television program, was long and at some point. Luxury presenters worked Maribel Verdú y Leonor Watling, The correct script of Paloma Rando and Laura Márquez and the precision work of the infallible Tinet Rubira (Operation Triunfo), who rose to direct the cotarro: very powerful the beginning with the Welcome of Miguel Ríos, With some of the nominated actors and Amaral. Very sense and authentic the speech of Maribel Verdú to deliver the Goya and very beautiful, sincere and sober award of Aitana.

That and the Sonora claim of Richard Gere, A call to hope, was perhaps the best of the gala held at the Palace of Exhibitions and Congresses in Granada, was more than a film ceremony; It was a compendium of emotions, claims and moments lived in a place as Muslim as Granada, the city of Lorca, Falla and Miguel Ríos, a perfect scenario for a night where nostalgia, love and art shared prominence.

The evening started with a touch of local epic. Miguel Ríos, who does not need a presentation in his land or anywhere, took the microphone at 80 years as if he was 20; accompanied by the protagonists of Second prize, A film that portrays the days of glory of the Granadino Group Los Planetas. That personalized version of “Welcome” managed to lift the public in a unanimous applause. Granada, with its history and its essence, was rightly the protagonist of the gala, mentioned with insistence from the stage, as the one who means the world: “This is not Hollywood, but we have the Alhambra.”

Take 2: More Knight than Officer

The presence of Richard Gere, receptor of the International Goya, It was of course one of the most anticipated moments. His dazzling smile and his classic bearing were a reminder that some cinema icons transcend borders and generations. When collecting his prize from Antonio Banderas, the gallant of Pretty Woman Between jokes and sincerity, he said: “Spain is my home now.” The cameras soon focused on his wife, Alejandra Silva, who from the public looked proudly. “She is the one who really deserves an award,” he added, unleashing laughs and applause.

Take 3: The kiss of the goddesses

The most emotional moment came with the Tribute to Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, winner of the Honor Goya. It was her friend and companion Maribel Verdú, between tears, who presented her: “They don’t give it to you for what I love you, but for what everyone loves you. This is not a Goya of Honor, it is a love Goya.” Moving, Sánchez-Gijón responded with humility: “It was a dream to receive it from your hands.” The climax arrived with a kiss between them, which the public celebrated as if it were the perfect outcome of a romantic film. Aitana, excited, reviewed her career with words that felt like thanks to life. She recalled her beginnings, spoke of love to cinema and thanked those who accompanied her on the way. The ovation that followed was the definitive tribute to a career marked by passion and talent.

Take 4: Euphoria and more love

If there was a constant in this edition of the Goya, it was the prominence of love. Saves queen, awarded as best cast actor for 47, He starred in one of the most emotional speeches of the night. With tears in his eyes, she dedicated her award to her girlfriend, actress Kira looked: “Thanks to life for that damn wave, for your gaze, for your hand, for choosing me. I love you.” His statement started sighs among the attendees, and the kiss he followed could have closed any romantic film. Also Leonor Watling, co -presenting the gala, took a smile to the public when she joked with her boyfriend, Jorge Drexler, sitting among the attendees before collecting an award on behalf of the director of the Latin American film: “Who have you left the children with?” A dose of light humor in a ceremony that, at times, sinned with solemnity.

Take 5: Those who are no longer

Marisa Paredes’s daughter, María Isasi, He took the stage to remember his mother, who died in December. With a trembling voice, he talked about the legacy of the actress and her passion for life. The images that accompanied his speech were a tribute to talent and the light of walls, whose absence left a palpable vacuum in Spanish cinema. “She lived with the intensity that only the greats know,” Isasi said, before the public broke into a closed applause. It was a moment of collective mourning that recalled the ability of cinema to immortalize those who are no longer there.

Take 6: less hate and more culture, not to cancellation

The gala also had its dose of controversy. The cancellation of the protagonist of Emilia Pérez, One of the great international stars was the issue of conversation in the halls. Actresses like Emma Vilarasau y Malena Alterio They reflected on the culture of cancellation, calling it “radical” and “destructive.” “Neither so much nor so bald,” Vilarasau summarized. Although the atmosphere remained elegant, the divided opinions showed that the debate on the subject is far from closing.

Take 7: Dign Housing

This edition was less vindictive than others, but there was no lack of speeches with political background. Eduard Fernández, awarded as best actor for Marco, He recalled “the danger of fascism” and the importance of respect. The infiltrated Carolina Yusteon the other hand, he used his speech to talk about the right to decent housing. Granada, land and revolutions, seemed to be the ideal place for these messages to resonate.

Take 8: The tie of the night

The night draw was not that of Real Madrid and Atlético: the great plot of the night came with the Ex Aequo prize for best film. The infiltrated and 47 shared the award in an unprecedented event. The surprise of the tie generated murmurs in the room, but also applause. “I could only spend in a city like Granada, the only one with a bomb name,” the presenters said with laughter. It was an unexpected end that made it clear that sometimes, cinema also imitates life. The gala could not close without a touch of flamenco. The Morente were in charge of putting the local note with an action that mixed tradition and modernity. The public, excited, thanked the gesture that connected the art of cinema with the soul of the host city.