Catalan Oscars return on Saturday after record-breaking year

The grand night of Catalan cinema, the Gaudí Film Awards, will take place this Saturday, capping off a record-breaking year for Catalan films.

The frontrunner of this year's festival is El 47, which has broken the record for the most nominations in the history of the Gaudí Awards, with a total of 18 nominations.

Close behind with 14 nominations is Casa en Flames, another major success this year, which has become the most-watched Catalan-language film of the decade in Catalonia.

These two films are largely responsible for making 2024 the best year in the history of Catalan cinema in terms of attendance.

Last year, the original, dubbed or subtitled versions of Catalan films attracted more than one million viewers to theaters, the best result ever recorded.

Moreover, in 2024, 90% of the films seen in Catalan cinemas were original versions, a significant change from previous years when dubbed or subtitled versions dominated.

In this festive atmosphere, the Gaudí Awards promise to be a true festival of cinema.

While El 47 and Casa en Flames are the leading contenders, many other films have the potential to take home statuettes, as history has shown that the judges' decisions don't always coincide with the public's preferences.

Tied with Casa en Flames for 14 nominations is Polvo Serán, directed by Carlos Marqués-Marcet, a strong contender for multiple awards.

The film tells the story of a woman, portrayed by legendary Spanish actress Ángela Molina, who travels to Switzerland to seek assisted suicide after being diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Another top contender is Saturn Return, which has earned nine nominations. Directed by Catalan filmmakers Isaki Lacuesta and Pol Rodríguez, the film was Spain's official submission for the Oscars but did not make the shortlist.

The psychological thriller Salve María is also in the spotlight. Directed by Mar Coll, the film follows a woman who becomes obsessed with a news story about an infanticide in France after recently giving birth herself.

These are the standout films competing for the 24 awards to be presented on Saturday night. 

However, one award is already known: the Gaudí of Honor, the highest distinction in Catalan cinema, which will be presented to Paco Poch, a producer instrumental in promoting and supporting some of the industry's greatest directors.

The ceremony will commence on Saturday at 10 pm and will be easily accessible to Catalan audiences, as it will be broadcast live on TV3, concluding at 12.30 am. For those abroad, Catalan News will provide live coverage.

Actors Marc Clotet and Paula Malia will host the event, which is directed by theater actor and director Daniel Anglès.

The ceremony will feature appearances by legendary Gaudí Award winners such as directors J.A. Bayona and Carla Simón, alongside numerous actors recognized in previous years.

As every year, the event will attract high-profile attendees, including Catalan president Salvador Illa, Spain's culture minister Ernest Urtasun, and Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni, among many other prominent figures.