Award Central News

The jury took into consideration Bardem’s career achievements, especially last year, as well as his “defense of the acting profession and continued commitment to Spanish film at home and abroad.”

“I take the prize to be a mark of affection from Spanish filmmakers, from my colleagues, and this touches me deeply,” Bardem said.

Spain’s National Cinema Prize was created in 1980, and helmer Carlos Saura was the first recipient.

Other filmmakers who have received the award include directors Luis Garcia-Berlanga and Pedro Almodovar, actors Francisco Rabal and Fernando Rey, and distributor-exhibitor Enrique Gonzalez-Macho.