The Snow Society Dominates at the Platino Awards

Key Highlights from the Platino Awards Gala in Riviera Maya

Juan Antonio Bayona's Triumph

In the early hours of this Sunday in Spain, the Platino Awards for Ibero-American cinema celebrated its 11th edition in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Spanish director Juan Antonio Bayona's film, The Snow Society, emerged as the major winner, securing six awards from its seven nominations. These included prestigious accolades for Best Director and Best Ibero-American Fiction Film.

Spanish Cinema's Impressive Haul

Spanish films dominated the event, winning 16 out of the 23 categories. This included notable victories for other films such as 20,000 Species of Bees, which took home four awards including Best Script and Best Debut Film.

Criticism of Argentine Cinema's Current State

The gala also served as a platform for criticism regarding the current state of Argentine cinema under President Javier Milei's administration. Bayona, during his acceptance speech, emphasized cinema as a vital "tool of expression" and critiqued any opposition to it as being unpatriotic.

Celebration of Language and Culture

The event was hosted by actresses Majida Issa and Esmeralda Pimentel, who highlighted the unifying power of the Spanish language in their opening speech. The ceremony also included performances celebrating Mexican cultural music, with a closing act by David Bisbal.

Recognition of Diverse Talent

The awards recognized a spectrum of talent from across Ibero-America. Noteworthy wins included Best Animated Film for Robot Dreams and Best Documentary for Chile's Infinite Memory. The Platinum Honor Award was bestowed upon actress Cecilia Roth for her distinguished career, and a posthumous tribute was paid to Rocío Dúrcal.

Support for Argentine Artists

Amidst the celebrations, there was a strong voice of support for Argentine artists, with winners and attendees expressing solidarity against the cultural cuts faced by the industry in Argentina. This collective stance highlighted the broader cultural and political implications of the event.

The Platino Awards thus concluded on a note of celebration intertwined with advocacy, underscoring the vibrant yet challenged state of Ibero-American cinema.