Oscars 2026: Spanish film ‘Sirat’ leaves empty-handed — reactions from Laxe and the industry
Laxe after the 2026 Oscars — why the director doesn’t see defeat as the end of the road
What’s next for Oliver Laxe after ‘Sirat’ falls short at the 2026 Oscars
Spanish cinema found itself in the global spotlight again, though this time without a triumph. At the 2026 Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles, Oliver Laxe’s film ‘Sirat. Trance en el desierto’ came away with no awards despite two major nominations. For Spanish filmmaking, this moment sparked not just conversations about achievements but also served as a reminder of the fierce competition on the international stage. As noted by Divinity, expert and bookmaker predictions proved accurate: in neither the ‘Best International Film’ nor the ‘Best Sound’ category could the Spanish entry surpass its rivals.
Oliver Laxe himself, attending his first Oscars, admitted he hadn’t expected to win. In interviews with Spanish media, he shared that the lack of pressure allowed him to take the experience in stride. The director said that for him, the support of his team and the chance to connect with colleagues mattered more than personal recognition. He also revealed that after the intense promotional campaign, he dreams of returning home to his mountain village in Lugo, where he hasn’t been for nearly a year.
Impressions and atmosphere
For the first time, Laxe attended the Oscars not by watching TV, but live, which became a special experience for him. According to him, the atmosphere in Hollywood was welcoming, and industry representatives showed interest in his style and approach to filmmaking. On the red carpet, the director chose an all-black look by Adolfo Domínguez, complemented by a watermelon-shaped pin — a symbol of solidarity with Gaza residents. This gesture did not go unnoticed and sparked discussion among the event’s guests.
In a conversation with reporters, Laxe emphasized that recognition is important to him, but so is his responsibility to those who believe in his work. He stated that his next project will be even more ambitious, though he is not sure whether he will return to the Oscars. According to him, the trust he received in Hollywood demands to be justified and calls for new creative solutions.
Historic nominations
“Sirat. Trance en el desierto” made history in Spanish cinema as the first Spanish film ever to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Sound in the award’s 98-year history. Particular attention was drawn to the fact that its sound design was handled exclusively by a female team: Laia Casasnovas, Yasmina Praderes, and Amanda Villavieja. This set a precedent not only for Spain, but for the Academy itself, which had not witnessed such a case before.
The film’s journey to the Oscars began with success at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, where it won the Jury Prize. After that, “Sirat” was warmly received by audiences in Spain and abroad, earning positive reviews from critics and the industry. The film received 11 Goya nominations and won six, and was also recognized at the British BAFTA and French César awards. In December 2025, the film made it to the Oscar shortlist in five categories, but in January it was announced that only two reached the finals.
Reaction and outlook
Despite not winning any awards, “Sirat’s” participation in the Oscars was a significant event for Spanish cinema. According to Divinity, Laxe did not hide his joy for his team and emphasized that for him, the atmosphere and new connections mattered more than trophies. Behind the scenes of the ceremony, he discussed potential joint projects with colleagues from different countries and exchanged impressions about the industry’s development.
Interestingly, this year international ceremonies have paid particular attention to Spanish celebrities. For example, at the recent Goya Awards, Mario Casas’ unexpected choice of companion sparked an emotional reaction among fans. More on how Spanish stars surprise the public on the red carpet can be found in the article about Mario Casas’ unexpected appearance at Goya 2026.
Oliver Laxe is one of the most prominent directors in contemporary Spanish cinema. His works, such as “Mimosas,” “Todos vós sodes capitáns,” and “O que arde,” have been recognized at international film festivals and have contributed to the advancement of auteur filmmaking. Laxe is known for his unique style, attention to detail, and commitment to addressing urgent social issues. His films often spark discussion among critics and audiences alike, while the director himself continues to experiment with form and content, unafraid to take risks for the sake of new ideas.
