Vicky Luengo learned that Steven Spielberg had praised her performance in El ser querido only after Javier Bardem revealed who was behind a mysterious message. After watching Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s latest film, Spielberg reached out privately to Bardem, calling it raw and painful while saying it felt honest. His strongest praise was for Luengo.
The message, signed simply as "Steven," left Luengo confused until Bardem clarified that it was Spielberg, referring to E.T. The news left Luengo overwhelmed and in tears at the recognition from one of cinema’s most influential directors. Spielberg called her acting "absolutely superb" and praised the authenticity she brought to the role.
Variety reported that El ser querido was selected for a special screening at the San Sebastián International Film Festival, highlighting its growing international recognition.
One of Spain’s most anticipated films, El ser querido brings Bardem and Luengo together as a father and daughter confronting years of estrangement. Bardem plays Esteban, a film director whose controlling approach to family and work has left deep scars. Luengo’s character, Emilia, returns to face unresolved conflicts as the film explores the lasting impact of family wounds.
Bardem has said he does not identify with his character’s methods, describing Esteban as shaped by a generation in which power and imposition defined relationships. He has also connected the film’s themes to his own family history, particularly his father’s absence during his youth and the process of forgiveness that followed.
The collaboration on El ser querido created a strong bond between Bardem and Luengo that extended beyond the set. Luengo has spoken about how Bardem’s public praise for her, delivered in front of her mother at a promotional event, left a lasting impression on her family. The film’s focus on generational conflict and reconciliation has resonated with both actors personally.
El País has reported that director Rodrigo Sorogoyen is known for his meticulous approach to casting and rehearsal, often requiring months of preparation from his actors to achieve the emotional depth seen in his films. This dedication has contributed to the critical acclaim of previous works such as 'As Bestas' and 'El Reino'.
Spielberg’s endorsement is not his first professional connection with Bardem. Bardem recently played Max Cady in El cabo del miedo, a project with Spielberg and Martin Scorsese as executive producers. That ongoing relationship adds weight to Spielberg’s comments on El ser querido.
Sorogoyen’s direction has made El ser querido a standout in Spanish cinema for 2026, with critics and audiences noting its unflinching look at family dynamics. Spielberg’s attention, rare for a foreign film, marks a impressive moment for Luengo and Spanish cinema. Recognition from a director of Spielberg’s stature can shift careers and bring a national production to international attention. For Luengo, the praise is both a personal basic stage and a sign of Spanish cinema’s growing reach.
