Amid Spain’s kaleidoscope of film awards, the Premios Forqué hold a unique place. Organized by the audiovisual producers’ association Egeda, this ceremony traditionally kicks off the major awards season, taking place before the renowned Goya Awards. The name “Forqué” is familiar to anyone interested in Spanish cinema, but few know the reason behind it. It honors an outstanding figure whose legacy and contributions to the industry have been commemorated through this award.
What sets the Forqué Awards apart from other prizes? Above all, it’s the concept. The organizers deliberately forgo the many technical categories seen at the Goyas, for example. There are no statuettes for best screenplay, editing, music, or cinematography. Instead, the focus is on the work as a whole and on the actors’ performances. Feature-length fiction and animated films, documentaries, shorts, and series are all in the spotlight. The winners among the finalists are chosen by a vote of Egeda members—industry professionals themselves.
In addition to the main categories, there are also several special prizes. For instance, viewers can select their favorite through the Audience Award. But perhaps the most symbolic is the “Film and Education in Values” category, which truly embodies the spirit of the awards and their creators. This category highlights the social importance of cinema and its power to shape society by promoting essential humanist ideals.
So, who is the award named after? Its full name is Premios Cinematográficos José María Forqué. It is named after José María Forqué, a legendary director and producer, and the father of renowned actress Verónica Forqué. He was more than just a talented filmmaker; he was also an active public figure. Forqué was instrumental in founding Egeda and became its first president, laying the foundation for an organization that today plays a key role in Spain’s audiovisual sector.
The award was established in 1996, just a year after José María Forqué’s passing in 1995, as a fitting gesture to honor his memory. It was a sign of gratitude for his tireless work defending producers’ rights and advancing the industry. Forqué, who founded his own production company, Orfeo Films, in 1967, always sought to support new projects and talents. The award bearing his name has carried on that mission.
RUSSPAIN.COM reports that, although José María Forqué held a degree in architecture, he devoted his life to film. His filmography includes dozens of classics and popular TV series, such as “Ramon y Cajal” and “El Jardín de Venus,” where one of the roles was played by his daughter Verónica. His achievements were recognized at the highest level: he received Spain’s National Cinema Award, and posthumously was awarded an honorary Goya. His daughter accepted the prize on his behalf and, from the stage, shared his life motto: “This kind of award is not a tombstone, but a push forward to keep moving ahead.”
