The 18th Gaudí Awards ceremony, held at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona on , featured a surprising musical moment early in the evening: a performance of Rosalía’s “Berghain.” While the Catalan superstar wasn’t physically present, her music resonated through the prestigious opera house, delivered by an unexpected performer.
As the ceremony commenced, the camera panned across the audience, searching for the source of the music. It soon landed on actress Carla Quílez, one of the five hosts of the awards show, who appeared in the middle of the theater’s stalls. Quílez then took to the stage alongside her fellow hosts – Nora Navas, Maria Molins, Maria Arnal, and Laura Weissmahr – to kick off the evening.
An Inaugural Moment
Rosalía, hailing from Sant Esteve Sesrovires, wasn’t in attendance, but her presence was powerfully felt through her music. Quílez’s performance served as a striking opening to a gala that prominently featured music throughout the night. A total of ten singers graced the stage of the Gran Teatre del Liceu, underscoring the importance of music within Catalan arts, and culture.
The Gaudí Awards are presented by the Catalan Film Academy, recognizing excellence in Catalan cinema. This year’s ceremony saw a record number of 81 productions vying for awards, with 40% of them originally in the Catalan language and 13 nominated for Best Fiction Feature Film in Catalan. Journalist-comedian Maria Rovira and screenwriter-comedian Ana Polo hosted the event, having been announced as the gala hosts in October 2023.
A Night of Duets
The musical highlights of the evening extended beyond Rosalía’s opening contribution. Magalí Sare and Salvador Sobral launched the ceremony with a performance featuring seventeen voices from the Cor Geriona, directed by Imma Pasqual. This collaborative piece set a tone of artistic unity and celebration.
Another notable duet featured Alosa, the project of Giulietta Vidal and Irene Romo, joining forces with award-winning cellist Guillem Gràcia. Together, they reinterpreted “El Cant dels Ocells,” a beloved Catalan song, in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Pau Casals’ birth. This performance paid tribute to a significant figure in Catalan musical history.
Emotionally Resonant Performances
A particularly poignant moment arrived with the reunion of Joan Dausà and actress Zoe Bonafonte. Their performance evoked memories of their final scene together in the film El 47, a sequence that resonated deeply with audiences. The pairing was widely anticipated and delivered a powerful emotional impact.
However, it was the performance by Marina Rossell and Maria Arnal that truly captivated the audience at the Liceu. Rossell introduced Arnal, who then led the crowd in a singalong of her iconic song, “Gavina voladora.” The collective participation created a vibrant and unforgettable atmosphere.
While Rosalía’s physical presence was missed, her musical influence was undeniable. She previously attended the Goya Awards a few years prior, demonstrating her continued support for the Spanish film industry. The inclusion of “Berghain” at the Gaudí Awards served as a reminder of her global impact and her roots in Catalan culture.
The 16th Gaudí Awards, held on , saw Creatura and Jokes & Cigarettes emerge as the biggest winners, each taking home six awards. Elena Martín won Best Director for Creatura, while David Verdaguer and Carolina Yuste were recognized as Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively, for their roles in Jokes & Cigarettes. The ceremony highlighted the strength and diversity of Catalan cinema, with a record number of productions submitted for consideration.
The Gaudí Awards continue to be a vital platform for celebrating Catalan filmmaking talent and promoting the region’s rich cultural heritage. The inclusion of contemporary music, like Rosalía’s, alongside traditional Catalan songs demonstrates a commitment to both honoring the past and embracing the future of the arts.
