Spanish cinema celebrates a historic achievement. Actor Oriol Pla, born in Barcelona in 1993, has been awarded the International Emmy for Best Actor in New York. This triumph, a first for a Spanish performer, came thanks to his work in the series “Yo, adicto” (I, Addict). The prize, awarded by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, marks a significant milestone for the industry.
The series is based on the novel of the same name by Javier Ginera, who previously headed the press office for Penélope Cruz and Pedro Almodóvar. Both the book and its adaptation candidly explore the struggle with addiction and mental health issues. In his acceptance speech, Oriol Pla expressed his deep gratitude to Ginera, saying that he deserves to live loudly, proudly, and fully. The actor dedicated the statue to the author, emphasizing that this is a story of rehabilitation. He sent a message of hope to everyone suffering from addiction or feeling lost, assuring them that there is a reward awaiting on the other side—finding themselves.
The awards ceremony held at the Hilton hotel in Manhattan brought another win for Spain. The documentary ‘#SeAcabó: Diary of Champions’ directed by Joana Pardos was named best in the sports category. The film focuses on the scandal involving an unauthorized kiss, when then-head of the Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso after the national team’s victory at the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Theater in Their Blood: A Family Affair
It seems Oriol Pla’s fate was set from birth. His father, Quimet Pla, is one of the founders of the renowned theater troupe Els Comediants, while his mother, violinist Núria Solina, helped establish several theater companies. It’s no surprise that the future Emmy laureate made his stage debut at age six, performing in a family street show alongside his sister Diana. For the Pla family, their bond isn’t just personal; it extends deep into their professional lives. Oriol’s parents even appear in the series ‘Me, Addicted.’ In one interview, he fondly recalled how his mother, who played an alcoholic, was almost making her on-screen debut. The family works together constantly: his mother handled lighting on two of his plays, his father is always present, and with his sister, they put on cabaret shows and join in neighborhood festivities.
From Merlí to International Acclaim
Oriol Pla’s professional journey began with roles in well-known Catalan TV3 series such as “El cor de la ciutat” (“Heart of the City”). However, true fame came with his performance in the cult series “Merlí.” He later cemented his success by starring alongside Aura Garrido in “El día de mañana” (“The Day After Tomorrow”), a role that earned him the prestigious Ondas Award. His trophy collection also features two Gaudí Awards for the films “Petra” and “Uncertain Glory.” International recognition, in the form of an Emmy, became a logical step in his outstanding career.
A modest hero with the soul of a clown
Oriol Pla splits his life between three places, traveling among Madrid, Barcelona, and France. He openly admires classic clowns and comedians such as Charlie Rivel, Charlie Chaplin, and Buster Keaton. The actor admits that what he enjoys most is making people laugh, and if he could choose a superpower, he would pick the ability to fly. In an interview with journalists, he shared that if he hadn’t become an actor, he might have pursued photojournalism, traveling the world with a camera to capture different places and people. His curiosity has always driven him. Other alternative paths might have included something related to physical activity, or a career in production.
Pla is known for his secrecy and absence from social media. He rarely appears in society columns and is extremely reluctant to reveal any details of his private life. Only rumors of a possible relationship with fellow actress Irene Escolar are known, along with his striking dance with Carolina Yuste at this year’s Actors’ Union gala, both of which have sparked widespread speculation.
It’s worth noting that the International Emmy Award is one of the most prestigious honors in global television produced outside the United States. The award is presented by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, comprised of leading media and entertainment figures from more than 60 countries. Unlike the main Primetime Emmy Award, which recognizes the best American prime-time television shows, the international version celebrates outstanding achievements in television production worldwide. The awards ceremony traditionally takes place in New York. Winning in any category is regarded as the highest recognition of quality and talent on a global level, opening up new horizons and opportunities in the international entertainment industry for recipients. For Spain, Oriol Pla’s victory is not only a personal triumph for the actor but also a significant validation of the high standard of the national film and television industry.
