Belén Wins Best Ibero-American Film at Goya Awards 2026

Belén Wins Best Ibero-American Film at Goya Awards 2026

March 1, 2026 Laura Fontaine - Entertainment Editor Entertainment

Dolores Fonzi’s Belén has added another accolade to its growing list of honors, securing the Goya Award for Best Ibero-American Film. The win, announced at the prestigious Spanish film awards ceremony held at the Auditori Forum CCIB in Barcelona, marks a significant achievement for Argentine cinema and further solidifies the film’s position as a critical and popular success.

The Goya Awards recognize excellence in Spanish-language filmmaking, and Belén’s victory in the Ibero-American category highlights its resonance with audiences and industry professionals across the region. The film, which premiered in Argentina on September 18, 2025, and is available for streaming on Amazon’s Prime Video, has already garnered attention for its powerful portrayal of a lawyer’s fight for justice in a case involving a wrongful imprisonment related to abortion access.

A Landmark Win for Argentine Cinema

Argentina boasts a remarkable track record at the Goya Awards, particularly in the Best Ibero-American Film category. With 19 wins, it is the most awarded country in this category. Recent Argentine winners include Santiago Mitre’s Argentina, 1985 (2023), Sebastián Borensztein’s La odisea de los giles (2020), and Damián Szifron’s Relatos salvajes (2015). Belén continues this tradition of excellence, joining a pantheon of critically acclaimed and culturally significant films. Other notable Argentine Goya winners include El secreto de sus ojos (2010) and classics like Un lugar en el mundo (1993) and La película del rey (1987).

Beyond Belén: Argentine Talent at the Goyas

The recognition for Belén wasn’t the only spotlight shining on Argentine talent at the Goyas. Actor Juan Minujín was likewise nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the Spanish film Los domingos, directed by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa. Los domingos led the nominations this year with 13 nods. Santiago Fillol, a writer originally from Córdoba, Argentina, co-wrote Sirât, which was among the five finalists for the Oscar for Best International Feature Film, though ultimately did not receive a nomination. Belén itself was pre-selected for the Oscars, making the shortlist of 15 films, but did not advance to the final nominations.

The Story Behind the Film

Belén is based on the non-fiction book Somos Belén by Ana Correa, which chronicles the true story of a young woman from Tucumán who was unjustly imprisoned after being accused of providing an illegal abortion. The film, directed and starring Dolores Fonzi, delves into the complexities of the case, exposing a corrupt legal system and societal biases. As the case gains notoriety, a women’s movement emerges, echoing the real-life activism that surrounded the original case. Fonzi co-wrote the screenplay with Laura Paredes, Agustina San Martín, and Nicolás Britos. The film is a production of K&S Films and Amazon MGM Studios, distributed by Digicine.

A Film Rooted in Real-Life Struggle

The case that inspired Belén unfolded in 2014 when a young woman in Tucumán sought emergency medical care for a miscarriage she was unaware she was experiencing. She was subsequently arrested by police and charged with first-degree murder, given that abortion was illegal in Argentina at the time. After two years of pre-trial detention, the Tucumán Supreme Court ultimately acquitted her. The case drew support from numerous human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the UN’s Human Rights Committee. The film’s success is particularly poignant given the evolving legal landscape surrounding abortion in Argentina, where access has expanded in recent years. As reported by the Buenos Aires Herald, the film’s selection for Oscar consideration underscored its importance as a cultural touchstone.

Critical Acclaim and Audience Response

Belén premiered in Argentina on September 18, 2025, selling over 25,000 tickets in its first week. The film has been praised for its compelling narrative, strong performances, and its unflinching examination of social and legal injustices. The San Sebastián film festival included the film in its official competition. According to Wikipedia, the film’s running time is 108 minutes and its box office revenue currently stands at $7,072.

What’s Next for Belén and its Creators?

While Belén did not secure an Oscar nomination, its Goya Award win and continued recognition on the international festival circuit suggest a bright future for the film. Dolores Fonzi, who both directed and starred in the film, is likely to see her profile rise further as a result of this success. Fonzi’s second directorial effort, Belén, has clearly established her as a significant voice in Argentine cinema. The film’s availability on Amazon Prime Video will undoubtedly broaden its reach and introduce it to new audiences. Further festival appearances and potential distribution deals in other territories are also possibilities. The film’s impact on the ongoing conversation surrounding reproductive rights and social justice will likely continue to be felt for some time to reach.