Barcelona is set to celebrate the 40th edition of the Goya Awards with a packed programme of public events, transforming the city into a vast open-air cinema in the weeks leading up to the main gala. The city will host free film screenings, public encounters with stars and nominees, large-scale photography exhibitions, and a special concert, all culminating in the prestigious awards ceremony on 28 February 2026.

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Spain’s premier film awards, often described as the Spanish equivalent of the Oscars, will take place at the Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB). In anticipation, the Spanish Film Academy has collaborated with the Ajuntament de Barcelona and the Generalitat de Catalunya to roll out a series of activities designed to bring the magic of cinema to the public, as detailed by local outlet betevé.

Star Encounters and Industry Insights

A major highlight of the programme is a public conversation with Hollywood legend Susan Sarandon, who will be honoured with the 2026 International Goya Award. The acclaimed actress and producer will meet with the public on Friday, 27 February at 13:00 at the El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria. According to the official city guide, tickets for the highly anticipated event were snapped up almost immediately, signalling huge public interest.

Cinephiles will also have several opportunities to hear directly from this year’s nominees. A series of free-to-attend roundtables include:

  • Best Original Song: A discussion with nominees including Alba Flores, Silvia Pérez Cruz, and Leiva at Gatsby Barcelona on 12 February.
  • Best New Director: A conversation with the five nominated directors, moderated by Clara Roquet, at the Sala Mompou (SGAE Catalunya) on 16 February.
  • Best Actress: An encounter with leading actress nominees Ángela Cervantes, Nora Navas, and Patricia López Arnaiz at El Born on 17 February.

The Goyas Take to the Streets

The city will display eight monumental Goya award statues in prominent locations from 10 February to 1 March, ensuring the awards’ presence is felt across the city. Residents and visitors can find the giant sculptures at the Fòrum (near the CCIB), Parc de Glòries, Jardinets de Gràcia, the Fabra i Coats creative hub, Portal de la Pau near the port, the Barceloneta neighbourhood, the historic Plaça de Sant Jaume, and outside the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC).

In addition, Plaça de les Glòries will host a large-format outdoor photography exhibition titled “L’emoció dels Goya” (“The Emotion of the Goyas”). From 4 February to 1 March, the exhibition will showcase over 60 images celebrating Catalan talent throughout the history of the awards. The exhibition will feature portraits of figures such as Isabel Coixet, J. A. Bayona, Carla Simón, and David Verdaguer, transforming the public square into an open-air gallery.

A Festival of Film and Music

Music will take centre stage on 22 February at L’Auditori with a special concert by the Barcelona Municipal Band. The performance will journey through four decades of Goya-winning film scores, with collaboration from actress Victoria Luengo.

The heart of the film programme will be at the Filmoteca de Catalunya, which will host screenings of many of the nominated films. The series, which adds to the city’s rich cinematic offerings alongside events like the BCN Sports Film Festival, will feature post-screening discussions with the films’ creators and stars. Highlights include Q&A sessions with Best Director nominee José Mari Goenaga, Best Actress nominee Patricia López Arnaiz, and acclaimed director Carla Simón, who will present her new nominated film Romería alongside a double bill of her previous award-winning works, Alcarràs and Summer 1993.

With a comprehensive schedule spanning the entire month of February, the 40th Goya Awards promise to be more than a single-night gala. The events offer a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors to immerse themselves in Spanish and Ibero-American cinema, making for a perfect addition to any Barcelona weekend itinerary and providing another excellent cultural option for those exploring the city.