Every year in Spain, the prestigious film awards season kicks off with the José María Forqué Awards ceremony. Established back in 1996, it was originally focused solely on recognizing the technical and artistic achievements of Spanish cinema. However, in recent years, its status has changed dramatically. The Premios Forqué have evolved into a high-profile social event and a true barometer of fashion trends, thanks in large part to its iconic red carpet. The turning point came in 2017, when the ceremony moved from Madrid to the majestic Teatro de la Maestranza in Seville, and its red carpet gained the scale and glamour to rival the world’s major film festivals.
Since then, every celebrity appearance on the Premios Forqué red carpet has been closely watched and widely discussed in the media and on social networks. Spanish actresses embrace bold, elegant, and sometimes daring looks that set the tone for the entire awards season ahead. Let’s take a look back at recent years and remember the most striking and unforgettable outfits that have become part of the fashion history of this prestigious film prize.
The birth of a fashion icon
The debut ceremony in Seville in 2017 set the bar high from the very start. Macarena Gómez caused a sensation, appearing in a luxurious, snow-white velvet gown by Alicia Rueda that evoked the true glamour of Hollywood’s golden age. That same evening, Paz Vega showcased impeccable style with a classic black tuxedo, skillfully paired with iconic Christian Louboutin heels and simple gold jewelry. Two years later, in 2019, Spanish cinema icon Penélope Cruz took up the mantle. Her appearance in a dazzling scarlet Ralph & Russo dress, entirely covered in sparkling sequins, became one of the year’s most talked-about fashion moments. Also unforgettable was Aura Garrido’s look, as she chose a delicate, romantic Dior gown adorned with the finest floral embroidery.
A decade of bold experiments
The start of the new decade was marked by bold fashion experiments. In 2020, Michelle Jenner opted for bohemian chic, appearing in a white Dior dress adorned with intricate ethnic embroidery. “Élite” star Mina El Hammani took a risk that paid off, choosing a delicate, sheer blush-pink gown by Temperley London. The year 2021 truly became a parade of style icons. Rising star Milena Smit made her mark as a new fashion force in a futuristic Paco Rabanne ensemble with distinct Eastern motifs. Meanwhile, Marta Nieto looked like a goddess straight off Olympus in a snow-white, intricately tailored gown by Giambattista Valli, while Verónica Echegui went bold with a striking print in an unforgettable Paco Rabanne dress.
A Celebration of Glamour and Elegance
In recent years, the Forqué Awards red carpet has solidified its status as the premier runway of Spanish cinema. In 2022, Nerea Barros proved that comfort can be synonymous with chic, stepping out in a cozy knit set and the iconic Max Mara “teddy bear” coat. The following year, in 2023, Amaia Salamanca demonstrated the perfect balance of sophistication and allure in a black David Koma dress with daring cutouts. The 2024 ceremony continued the tradition: Marta Hazas literally sparkled in a jewel-like gown from Carolina Herrera, while Hiba Abouk embodied pure elegance in a sleek black outfit by Juan Vidal. These looks are the best proof that the Forqué Awards are not only a major cinematic event but also a trendsetter in haute couture.
Incidentally, the award is named after José María Forqué for a reason. He was an outstanding Spanish director, screenwriter, and producer, whose works have left a significant mark on the history of national cinema. Forqué was also the first president of EGEDA, the organization for the management of audiovisual producers’ rights, which established this award in his honor. Over the course of his career, he made more than 50 films, including such iconic titles as “Atraco a las tres” and “Amanecer en Puerta Oscura,” the latter of which won the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. His contribution to the industry’s development was immense, and the Forqué Award serves as an annual reminder of his legacy.
