Catalan Oscars underway with 'El 47' and 'House on Fire' leading the nominations

It's showtime tonight as the 17th edition of the Gaudí Film Awards, the Catalan Oscars, kicked off at 10pm at the Barcelona International Convention Center (CCIB).

This year's ceremony caps off a record-breaking year for Catalan cinema, which has shattered attendance records across cinemas.

Two films leading the charge are El 47 and House on Fire, both of which dominate the nominations.

El 47, which tells the true story of a peaceful act of dissent and the grassroots movement that transformed Barcelona in 1978, leads the pack with a record-breaking 18 nominations.

Meanwhile, House on Fire, a dramatic comedy about a middle-class Catalan family that reunites for a weekend on the Costa Brava, follows close behind with 14 nominations.

Tied with House on Fire 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.

Record-breaking year in theaters

The 17th edition of the awards celebrates an outstanding year for Catalan cinema, marking a record number of viewers for Catalan-language films.  

The total number of admissions for Catalan films was almost one million, the highest in the last two decades.  

Around 70% of the tickets sold for Catalan films are for El 47 and House on Fire, which have driven much of this record-breaking success.  

The gala will also highlight another milestone: 47% of the nominated films were shot in Catalan.

Where and how to watch the ceremony

The ceremony will begin at 10 pm at the Barcelona International Convention Center (CCIB) and is expected to run past midnight, with the most prestigious awards presented at the end.

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

The night will feature appearances from legendary Gaudí Award winners such as directors J.A. Bayona and Carla Simón, along with many actors who have been recognized in previous years.

Singers Mushka and Julieta will also take part, presenting some of the awards, alongside writer Pol Guasch.

The ceremony will be filled with musical performances by Ginestà and Figa Flawas, as well as comedy sketches to keep the atmosphere lively.

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

Watch the ceremony here: