Amenabar-Almodovar duel in the 34th edition of the Goya awards

USPA NEWS - 'Dolor y gloria' (Pain and glory), by Pedro Almodóvar, with 16 nominations, and 'Mientras dure la Guerra' (While the War lasts), by Alejandro Amenábar, with 17 nominations, will compete in the 34th edition of the Goya awards of Spanish cinema for the award for Best Film. 'Intemperie' (Outdoor), 'La trinchera infinita' (The infinite trench) and 'Lo que arde' (What burns) also aspire to the same prize. The Goya awards gala will be held on January 25 in Malaga (southern Spain), which will host the Spanish film festival.

With 17 nominations, 'Mientras dure la Guerra' is the film with more options in the awards, including Best Film and Best Direction. They are followed by 'Dolor y gloria' with 16 nominations and 'La trinchera infinita' with 15 award options. The Goya for Best Direction will be between Pedro Almodóvar for 'Dolor y gloria'; Aitor Arregi, Jon Garaño and José Mari Goenaga for 'La trinchera infinita'; Oliver Laxe for 'Lo que arde' and Alejandro Amenábar for 'Mientras dure la Guerra'.

The Best Leading Actress Penélope Cruz for 'Dolor y Gloria', Greta Fernández for 'La Hija de un Ladrón' (The daughter of a thief), Belén Cuesta for 'La trinchera infinita' and Marta Nieto for 'Madre' (Mother) are aspiring to Goya while Antonio Banderas for 'Dolor y Gloria', Antonio de la Torre for 'La trinchera infinita', Karra Elejalde for 'Mientras dure la Guerra' and Luis Tosar for 'Quien a Hierro Mata' (Who kills iron), will fight for the Goya for Best Leading Actor.

With 16 nominations, Pedro and Agustín Almodóvar were the first to show their emotion. “Since the film's career began, I have noticed a difference from the others. I have the impression that people love me more after 'Pain and glory',“ said the director, who demanded that culture “be part of the politicians' agenda.“ Asier Etxeandía, who aspires to the award for Best Supporting Actor for this film, like his partner Leonardo Sbaraglia, pointed out what it means for him to be in the Goya by the hand of the Manchego director, “which has been a constant inspiration in my race. This character is a gift.“

"I feel that the Magic Kings have advanced," said Alejandro Amenábar about the 17 nominations of 'Mientras dure la Guerra', the film with more options for the 2020 awards. Accompanied by producer Fernando Bovaira, the director showed his joy that the film has pleased both the public - it has been seen by 1,850,000 viewers - and academics. "For me, the grand prize of the night would be for Pepa Flores to come and pick up the Goya of Honor," Amenábar confessed.

The Nominees Party will take place on December 16 in Madrid. The gala will be held on January 25 at the José María Martín Carpena Sports Palace in Malaga and will be presented by actress Sílvia Abril and showman Andreu Buenafuente.