In 2026, the Spanish film industry once again finds itself in the spotlight thanks to the 40th Goya Awards ceremony. The list of nominees for the country’s main film prize reflects the changes taking place in society and culture. This year, not only big names are in the limelight, but also fresh faces and topics that rarely reached a wider audience before. Barcelona is preparing to host a ceremony that promises to be one of the most talked about in the past decade.
The five films competing for Best Picture showcase a wide range of genres and styles. From family dramas to historical satires, from personal stories to grand adventures — each has already sparked lively debate among critics and viewers. As reported by Idealista, the frontrunner is “Los domingos,” which received a record number of nominations. Directed by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, this film tells the story of a teenager who decides to enter a convent, intricately exploring family ties and inner conflict. The film will be available on Movistar Plus+ from February 27.
Season’s frontrunners
The second most-nominated film is “Sirât” by Oliver Laxe — a hypnotic journey through Morocco, where a father and son search for a missing girl amid desert raves. The film has already received acclaim at international festivals, including Cannes, and is now competing in 11 categories. It is available on Movistar Plus+.
“Maspalomas” by Aitor Arregi and Jose Mari Goenaga is another notable contender in the race. The story of an elderly man forced to return to the Basque Country and confront his past has touched many with its honesty and depth. The film is available on Movistar Plus+ and Filmin. Special attention was also drawn to “La cena” by Manuel Gomez Pereira—a comedy with dramatic elements set in the early postwar years. The organization of an official banquet becomes a pretext for satire and reflection on the country’s past. It is available on Movistar Plus+ and for rent on Prime Video and Filmin.
Unexpected discoveries
Among the debut works, “Sorda” by Eva Libertad stands out—a film about a hearing-impaired woman who faces the challenges of motherhood and communication. This work has already been recognized at international festivals and is nominated in several categories, including best debut and sound. The film is available on Movistar Plus+ and for rent on Prime Video.
Outside the main nomination, but still maintaining their relevance, are films such as “El Cautivo” by Alejandro Amenábar. This historical drama about a young Miguel de Cervantes in captivity in Algiers has received seven nominations and stands out for its meticulous depiction of the era. It can be watched on Netflix. The thriller “Los Tigres” by Alberto Rodríguez, which tells the story of diver brothers, has also been recognized in the technical categories and will premiere on Movistar Plus+ from February 20th.
Personal stories
“Romería” by Carla Simón is yet another example of how personal drama can serve as a foundation for a profound exploration of memory and identity. The main character travels to Vigo to reconnect with her past and find herself. The film is nominated in six categories and is available on Movistar+, as well as for rent on Filmin, Prime Video, and Rakuten TV.
This year, the organizers of the Goya Awards emphasized accessibility: most nominees are available to watch online, giving a broader audience the chance to discover the best works by Spanish filmmakers. This approach not only expands the viewer base but also highlights the importance of digital platforms for the development of national cinema.
Where and when to watch
The Goya Awards ceremony will take place on February 28 at the Auditori Fòrum in Barcelona. Hosts for the evening will be Luis Tosar and Rigoberta Bandini. RTVE and its digital services will provide a live broadcast. The night promises not only strong emotions but also sharp commentary, a tradition for the country’s leading film event.
The Goya Awards have long been more than just a prize—they are a barometer of change in Spanish society. Over the years, they have celebrated both acclaimed masters and new talents, as well as brought attention to topics that were previously overlooked. For instance, in 2023, the drama “As bestas” was the big winner, sparking a wave of discussion about the role of regional cinema and new formats. Today, the Goyas remain a platform for bold experimentation and honest conversations about life in Spain.
