The 12th edition of the Premios Platino, Ibero-America’s most prestigious awards event, was a night to remember as Walter Salles’ political drama “I’m Still Here” took home multiple top honors. The Brazilian drama, which also won the Best International Feature Film Oscar this year, was awarded Best Iberoamerican Feature, Best Director for Salles, and Best Actress for Fernanda Torres, the film’s Oscar-nominated lead. The event, held in Madrid, was a glittering affair that celebrated the best of Ibero-American cinema.
On the television side, Netflix’s ambitious Colombian series “100 Years of Solitude” emerged victorious, beating out other large-scale series such as Brazil’s “Senna,” O2 Filmes’ “City of God: The Fight Rages On,” and Endemol Shine Boomdog-HBO Max’s “Like Water for Chocolate.” Director Alex Garcia Lopez expressed his gratitude to Netflix for their vision and courage in bringing Gabriel García Márquez’s iconic novel to life on screen. Lead actor Claudio Cataño, who won Best Actor in a Series, paid tribute to his late grandmother, who had raised him.
A highlight of the evening was the surprise appearance of Colombian “Modern Family” star Sofia Vergara, who presented multi-talented Eva Longoria with the Premio Platino Honorary Award. Vergara’s humorous remark about wanting to be Longoria in Hollywood despite being older had the audience in stitches. Longoria, a Texas-born actress, director, producer, and activist, expressed her pride in representing her Hispanic roots and empowering Hispanic women in the industry. She emphasized the power of unity and collaboration among Hispanics, noting their hard work, passion, and humanity.
In a press conference prior to the event, Longoria shared her plans to develop a musical and was on the lookout for Latino singers and dancers to be part of the project. The evening was a celebration of talent, diversity, and the vibrant spirit of the Ibero-American entertainment industry. As “I’m Still Here” and “100 Years of Solitude” emerged victorious, the Premios Platino showcased the best of Ibero-American cinema and television. Her UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, a co-producer of the acclaimed series “Land of Women,” celebrated a major win as Spain’s Carmen Maura took home the Best Supporting Actress in a Series award for her stellar performance. Maura, known for her iconic role in “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” showcased her talent once again in this captivating series.
Adding to the Spanish success at the prestigious event, renowned composer Alberto Iglesias, who has collaborated with legendary director Pedro Almodovar on numerous occasions, clinched his sixth Premio Platino for his exceptional original score in Almodóvar’s first English-language feature, “The Room Next Door.”
The night also saw Tatiana Huezo, the first Mexican to win the Best Documentary Platino award, being honored for her impactful documentary “The Echo.” In a touching moment, she dedicated her prize to the peasant children of “The Echo” and all of Mexico, showcasing the power of storytelling through film.
Another highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of the Spanish suspense drama “La Infiltrada,” based on the true story of Aranzazu Berradre Marín, a National Police agent who infiltrated the Basque terrorist group ETA. The film was praised for its screenplay and editing, shedding light on a gripping and courageous narrative.
In a poignant tribute, the late Argentine actor Daniel Fanego was posthumously awarded for his Supporting Role in Rei Pictures’ “Kill the Jockey,” honoring his legacy and contribution to the industry.
Looking ahead, it was announced that the next edition of the Premios Platino will take place at Xcaret in the Riviera Maya, Mexico, promising another exciting celebration of Latin American cinema.
The event also featured a full list of winners across various categories, including Best Feature, Director, Lead Performances, Screenplay, and more, recognizing the outstanding talent and creativity within the industry. Notable winners included Walter Salles for Best Director, Eduard Fernández for Best Lead Performance, and Arantxa Echevarria and Amelia Mora for Best Screenplay.
Moreover, Eva Longoria was honored with a special Honorary Award, highlighting her significant contributions to the world of entertainment and advocacy for underrepresented voices.
Overall, the Premios Platino showcased the diversity and excellence of Latin American cinema, celebrating the artistic achievements and cultural impact of filmmakers and performers from the region. The event served as a platform to recognize and applaud the creativity, innovation, and storytelling prowess that continue to shape the industry.
