The 17th edition of the Gaudí Awards has once again highlighted the best of Catalan cinema, with a gala marked by a strong protest tone and a clear winner: El 47, by Marcel Barrena . The film, which portrays the neighborhood struggle for the dignity of a Barcelona neighborhood in the 1970s, has taken home a total of eight statuettes, including best film, best leading actor for Eduard Fernández and best supporting actress for Clara Segura . Barrena's film has not only been appreciated by critics, but also by the public, winning the Special Audience Award, presented by Mònica Terribas . Marcel Barrena, visibly emotional during his speech as the winner for best film, read article 47 of the Statute of Catalonia that defends the right to decent housing, thus recalling how this ongoing struggle is still relevant today and calling on institutions to fulfill their responsibility to guarantee accessible housing for everyone.
El 47, however, was not the only outstanding film, Polvo serán, by Carlos Marqués-Marcet , was the second most awarded film of the night. This musical, with choreography by La Veronal, explores the theme of assisted suicide in a couple through the story of an actress with a brain tumor, played by Ángela Molina . The film took home four awards, including best film in a non-Catalan language, best art direction for Laia Ateca , best editing for Chiara Dainese and best original music for María Arnal .
Polvo Serán, Carlos Marqués-Marcet.
Despite the clear victory of El 47, Casa en flames, by Dani de la Orden, it has also had its recognition, taking home three outstanding awards: best script for Eduard Sola , best leading actress for Emma Vilarasau and best supporting actor for Enric Auquer . The film, which narrates the tensions and conflicts of a wealthy family during a holiday on the Costa Brava, has managed to consolidate itself as one of the most important productions of the year. Emma Vilarasau, who started as a favorite in her category, has fulfilled expectations and has made her debut in the Gaudí awards. Her performance as the matriarch of a family in disintegration has been highly acclaimed, placing her as a strong candidate also for the Goya Awards.
The gala, hosted by Paula Malia , Marc Clotet , Judit Martín and Pep Ambrós , who wore a T-shirt from the Tenants' Union, was full of protest moments. Calls were heard for greater involvement in the fight against climate change, the rejection of xenophobia and the need to end sexual abuse within the film industry. One of the most emotional speeches of the night was that of Eduard Sola, winner of the award for best original screenplay for Casa en flammes. Sola took advantage of his moment to remember his humble family origins, explaining that his grandfather was illiterate and that thanks to social progress and public education he has been able to dedicate himself to writing. Claiming his migratory roots, he called for the need to maintain an inclusive and welcoming society, rejecting any form of xenophobia and underlining how diversity enriches the country's cultural story.
Finally, Segundo premio, the film by Isaki Lacuesta and Pol Rodríguez about the history of the group Los Planetas, took home the award for best direction and the French production Anatomy of a Fall was recognized as the best European film.
Segundo Premio, Isaki Lacuesta i Pol Rodríguez.