The Spanish film industry rarely finds itself in the spotlight of major international awards, especially in technical categories. However, this year a team of women who worked on the sound for the film ‘Sirât’ achieved a unique milestone—their work earned an Oscar nomination for Best Sound. This success followed their win at the Goya Awards, which was already a significant event for the industry. As Divinity notes, regardless of the outcome of the ceremony, these specialists have already made history in Spanish cinema.
Three professionals are at the center of attention: Laia Casanovas, Yasmina Praderas, and Amanda Villavieja. Each contributed to creating the film’s unique soundscape, which resonated widely both in Spain and abroad. Their work exemplifies how modern technology and deep professional expertise can transform the audience experience and set new quality standards.
Laia Casanovas’s path
Laia Casanovas, a sound engineer, received her training at Escola Superior de Cinema i Audiovisuals de Catalunya (ESCAC), where she now teaches. Her career began with projects such as ‘El niño’ and ‘Anacleto, agente secreto,’ after which she led several sound teams, including for the series ‘Sé quién eres.’ Her first Goya nomination came through her collaboration with Pedro Almodóvar on ‘Madres paralelas.’ She later worked on ‘La voz humana’ and ‘La buena letra,’ and this year her name appeared once again among the nominees.
Casanovas is known for her commitment to innovation and the use of advanced technology to create the most realistic and immersive sound possible. In “Sirât”, her goal was to make the audience feel as if they were inside the events, experiencing the atmosphere of the desert and the rhythm of the music on a physical level. This approach allowed the film to stand out among its competitors and earn recognition from industry professionals.
Yasmina Praderes’ Experience
Yasmina Praderes, who was responsible for sound mixing, already has a Goya win for her work on “As bestas” in 2022. In 2023, she was nominated for two projects—“Saben aquell” and “Campeonex.” Praderes studied commerce and marketing in Huesca, but later moved to Barcelona to study sound at the Centre d’Estudis Cinematogràfics de Catalunya. Since 2017, she has been active in the industry, taking part in productions such as “El 47,” “Wolfgang (Extraordinario),” “La buena letra,” and “Quien a hierro mata.”
Her professional journey is marked by diversity and a constant drive for excellence. Praderes excels at finding the balance between technical precision and the director’s artistic vision—something that was especially evident in “Sirât.” Thanks to her work, the film’s sound palette became rich and multilayered, creating a fully immersive experience for the audience.
Amanda Villavieja and Real-Time Sound
Amanda Villavieja, a direct sound specialist, is responsible for the audio that is recorded directly on set. Her task is to convey authenticity and atmosphere, which is especially important in films with a strong visual and audio component. Villavieja graduated from the Faculty of Audiovisual Communication at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and currently teaches at ESCAC and other educational institutions.
Her portfolio includes projects such as Pilar Palomero’s “Las niñas,” Isaki Lacuesta’s “Entre dos aguas,” and José Luis Guerín’s “En construcción.” Villavieja is known for her attention to detail and ability to create an authentic sound environment, a quality highly valued by directors seeking maximum realism. On “Sirât,” her input was key in conveying the atmosphere of the desert and the emotional intensity of the scenes.
Laia Casanovas is one of the leading sound specialists in Spanish cinema. Her professional career began with work on major projects, and today she combines teaching with participating in the country’s most notable films. Casanovas is known for her innovative approach and teamwork skills, allowing her to achieve outstanding results even in the most challenging conditions. Her contribution to the industry is recognized not only by colleagues but also by young professionals for whom she has become an example of professionalism and pursuit of excellence.
