A giant replica of the prestigious Goya Awards statuette has been installed in Plaça de Can Fabra, bringing a touch of cinematic glamour to the heart of Barcelona’s Sant Andreu district. The monumental bust, a larger-than-life representation of the painter Francisco de Goya, appeared in the public square on Tuesday, 10 February, as part of a city-wide celebration leading up to Spanish cinema’s biggest night.

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Spain’s Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences (Academia de las Artes y las Ciencias Cinematográficas de España) organised the installation as a prelude to Barcelona hosting the 40th Goya Awards ceremony later this month. According to initial reports from Diari Catalunya, the statue’s arrival immediately captured the attention of local residents and passers-by.

A Cinematic Prelude Across the City

The Sant Andreu installation is not an isolated event. It is one of seven identical Goya busts strategically placed in emblematic locations across Barcelona, transforming the city into an open-air gallery celebrating Spanish film. Europa Press confirmed this initiative aims to generate public excitement and bring the spirit of the awards to various neighbourhoods beyond the typical tourist trails.

The statues will remain on public display until 1 March, offering ample opportunity for citizens and visitors to interact with a tangible piece of Spanish film history. The campaign is a key part of a broader programme of city-wide events designed to immerse Barcelona in the world of cinema in the weeks surrounding the gala.

Sant Andreu in the Spotlight

The choice of Plaça de Can Fabra is significant. Located in the historically industrial and working-class district of Sant Andreu, the square sits adjacent to the Can Fabra Creation Factory and Cultural Centre, a converted 19th-century textile mill that now serves as a vibrant community hub. By placing a statue here, the Film Academy is deliberately decentralising the celebration, moving it away from central, world-famous locations like Plaça Catalunya to engage directly with residents in other parts of the city.

For a district that has recently appeared in the news for more sombre reasons, including serious crime, the arrival of the Goya statue offers a moment of cultural celebration and civic pride. The art installation provides a striking visual contrast and a positive focal point for the community.

Building Anticipation for the 40th Goyas

The Goya Awards, often described as Spain’s equivalent of the Oscars or BAFTAs, are the country’s most important annual film awards. This year’s 40th-anniversary edition marks a momentous occasion for the Spanish film industry and for Barcelona as the host city.

The main event, the awards ceremony, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 28 February 2026. The Barcelona City Council announced the gala will be held at the Auditori Fòrum, part of the Centre de Convencions Internacionals de Barcelona (CCIB). The city’s hosting of the event reaffirms its status as a leading European capital for culture and creative industries.

As the ceremony draws closer, these seven giant sentinels of Spanish cinema stand watch over the city, reminding everyone that for a few weeks, Barcelona is the undisputed capital of film.

According to the official source, see Academia de Cine – 40 edición Premios Goya.