Goya Awards 2024: 'La Sociedad de la Nieve' Skis Away with Top Honors at Spanish Oscars

MIAMI - Netflix's "La sociedad de la nieve" (Society of Snow), directed by acclaimed Juan Antonio Bayona, emerged triumphant this weekend at the Goya Awards, Spain's version of the Oscars, with 10 wins.

The poignant and impeccably crafted recounting of the harrowing true story of the 1972 Andes plane crash has not only captivated audiences worldwide but also secured critical acclaim, marking a new pinnacle in Spanish cinematic history after securing a place in movie history: it is the most expensive film ever made in Spanish with a budget above $60 million.

The film's victorious journey, which has included a month-long stay in the Netflix most watched films charts worldwide, continues as it proudly stands nominated for two Oscars: Best International Film and Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

Nominee and now Goya winner Matías Recalt showed up at the Red Carpet with Enzo Vogrincic, who plays narrator Numa Turcatti in the movie, and is seen as one of the heartthrob of this awards season-

"Mi casa es el cine español, y este éxito es el vuestro," Bayona humbly expressed when accepting the prestigious awards. Translated as "Spanish cinema is my home and this success is yours," the words resonate with the spirit of unity and collective achievement that the film represents. It was a night where the entire Spanish film industry celebrated not just a remarkable movie but the resilience and evolution of its cinema.

"At 4,000 meters, in front of the graves of the deceased, I asked permission from their families to tell this story. I hope I have lived up to it," he added. His words reflect a deep respect for the true story that inspired the film and a dedication to authenticity that shines throughout his work.

Produced by Netflix, "La sociedad de la nieve" undertook the colossal task of narrating one of the most extraordinary survival tales. The film revisits the fateful day of October 13, 1972, when the plane, carrying 45 passengers, including a rugby team, friends, and family members, crashed in the Andes.

The story of their endurance, marked by an "immense act of solidarity," as producer Sandra Hermida recalled, stands as a testament to the human spirit and a benchmark in cinematic storytelling.

At the Goya Awards, "La sociedad de la nieve" achieved an astounding victory, securing 10 awards, including Best Picture. This success is especially significant as it represents a shift in the Spanish film industry's approach towards embracing streaming platforms and high-budget productions, thus breaking traditional cinematic boundaries.

Bayona, renowned for his work in "Un monstruo viene a verme" and "Jurassic Park 3," has reaffirmed his status as a visionary filmmaker. The film's accolades at the Goyas spanned across various categories, including costume design, editing, makeup and hairstyling, art direction, cinematography, production management, special effects, sound, and original music by the acclaimed Pixar composer, Michael Giacchino.

A notable highlight was the Best New Actor award for Matías Recalt, who portrayed survivor Roberto Canessa.

In a very moving speech, the Argentine actor thanked Bayona, his team, the other actors, the survivors of The Andes, and the families of the deceased, and dedicated the award to his dad, who died a few months before he started filming.

The Snow Society Oscars bid

Now, as "La sociedad de la nieve" gears up for the Oscars, the stars, director, and real-life survivors are in the United States, actively promoting the movie. This publicity tour not only underscores the film's international acclaim but also brings the incredible real-life story and its cinematic portrayal to a broader audience.

It won't be easy. This are the nominees for Best Foreign Film at the 2024 Academy Awards.

• The Zone of Interest" (United Kingdom) — dir. Jonathan Glazer.
• "Perfect Days" (Japan) — dir. Wim Wenders.
• "Society of the Snow" (Spain) — dir. J.A. Bayona.
• "The Teachers' Lounge" (Germany) — dir. İlker Çatak.
• "Io capitano" (Italy) — dir. Matteo Garrone.