SPANISH CINEMA STARS DEMAND MORE WOMEN IN FILM AT GOYAS

Stars of Spanish cinema have lashed out at the lack of women in the film industry at the country’s equivalent of the Oscars. ‘We need directors, screenwriters, directors of photography, scripts, technicians, composers-equal in number to men,’ said actress Nora Navas, a vice president of the Spanish Film Academy, during the Goyas in Madrid on Saturday. Carla Simon, one of Spain’s top directors whose film ‘Summer 1993’ bagged three awards at the ceremony, said the country ‘needs more women to make films’.

‘We need time to change that, I think the initiative has to come from politics,’ said Simon, 31. Only 27 per cent of the nominees for the Goyas were women and female attendees at the ceremony carried bright red fans sporting #M¡SMUJERES (more women) slogans. The comments come a week after the music industry’s hottest stars wore white roses to the Grammys last weekend in support of gender equality. Meanwhile director Isabel Coixet, 57, also scored three prizes for ‘The Bookshop’óbest picture, director and adapted screenplay ódedicating the awards to ‘all those who still buy books, open bookshops and love the cinema’.

The film, which is in English, is set in an English village and tells the story of a widow who decides to rebuild her life by opening a bookstore despite opposition in the local community. The night’s other big winner was the film ‘Handia’óan historic drama set in the Basque Country which took home ten awards.

Actor Milana Vayntrub

Spanish actors Javier Bardem (left) and Penelope Cruz pose on the red carpet.

Spanish actress Marisa Paredes acknowledges the public before receiving an honorary award for her career at the 32nd Goya awards ceremony in Madrid on February 3, 2018. — AFP photos

Actress Amy Schumer

Spanish actor David Verdaguer receives the best supporting actor award for his role in ‘Estiu 1993’ (Summer 1993).

Spanish singer Leiva receives the best original song award for ‘La Llamada’ (Holy Camp!).

Spanish actress Bruna Cusi receives the best new actress award for ‘Estiu 1993’ (Summer 1993).

Spanish actress Adelfa Calvo receives the best supporting actress award for her role in ‘El Autor’ (The Motive).

Spanish director Jon Garano receives the best original script award for ‘Handia’ (Giant).

Actress Saffron Burrows

Director Michael Apted, recipient of the DGA Honorary Life Member Award, poses in the press room during the 70th Annual Directors Guild Of America Awards.

Spanish director Carla Simon receives the best new direction award for ‘Estiu 1993’ (Summer 1993).

Honoree Dwight Williams, recipient of the Frank Capra Achievement Award.

Spanish actor Eneko Sagardoy receives the best new actor award for ‘Handia’ (Giant).

Directors Ross Duffer and Matt Duffer

Actress Aisha Tyler (left) and director Brian Smith, winner of the award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Reality Programs.

Actors Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon

Spanish actress Marisa Paredes receives an honorary award for her career.

Actress Angela Lansbury

Actor David Hasselhof

Mikel Serrano receives the best art direction award for ‘Handia’ (Giant).

Spanish actor Javier Gutierrez receives the best actor award for his role in ‘El Autor’ (The Motive).

Composer Alexandre Desplat

Director Glenn Weiss, winner of the award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety/Talk/News/Sports.