The Carme Elias Gold Medal ceremony honoured the renowned actress on Wednesday afternoon. This touching event celebrated both her artistic legacy and personal resilience. Presided over by Mayor Jaume Collboni in the Saló Ciutat, it recognised Elias for her extensive theatre and film career. Furthermore, it acknowledged the bravery she has shown since announcing her Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2022.
A Life in the Arts: The Carme Elias Gold Medal Story
During her acceptance speech, Elias reflected on her journey from a young Barcelona girl to one of Spain’s most respected performers. She recalled her parents’ initial hesitation. However, they accepted her passion for the stage because it did not interfere with her bank job.
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“When I found out they were giving me the medal, I was happy and looked back to see that girl who liked to read aloud at school and that teenager who started doing theatre in her neighbourhood,” Elias shared.
The Barcelona City Council plenary officially approved the distinction on 21 November. Consequently, it granted her the honour for a long professional career. Moreover, it recognised her for embodying Barcelona’s values as an “open, cultured, sensitive city committed to people”.
Facing ‘Al’ with Dignity: The Carme Elias Gold Medal Tribute
Visibly moved, the actress addressed her condition, which she affectionately calls ‘Al’. Despite challenges, she affirmed her happiness and focus on the present. She noted the disease has conditioned her life since its arrival. Nevertheless, her passion for life remained undimmed.
Mayor Collboni praised Elias as “indestructibly brave”. He emphasised that sharing her diagnosis has mobilised resources for others. “Barcelona is a city at your feet, at your capacity to inspire us and transform us through interpretation, through the art of giving life to words,” Collboni stated.
Tributes from Colleagues and Family at the Carme Elias Gold Medal Event
The ceremony featured heartfelt tributes from those closest to her. Her brother, Joan Elias, described her as a “Barcelonian from head to toe”. He expressed pride in her achievements despite no artistic antecedents in their family.
Fellow actresses Silvia Marsó and Carme Sansa also spoke. They recalled their friendship forged during the 1997 filming of Dones d’aigua. Therefore, they described a close-knit bond that has endured for decades. In addition, they celebrated a friendship where they still gather whenever possible.
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