Belén Atienza collects the Elías Querejeta Award from the Academy

The Elías Querejeta 2024 Award, an initiative of the Film Academy to recognize producers who take risks in the creative development of their craft, betting on the internationalization of Spanish cinema and the careers of new filmmakers, has been awarded within the framework of the San Sebastian Festival to Belén Atienza ('The Snow Society', 'Pan's Labyrinth', 'Alatriste', 'The Orphanage', 'The Impossible'...).

Excited and supported by her friend Sandra Hermida, Atienza collected the award from the vice presidents of the Film Academy, Rafael Portela y Susi Sanchez. Next, he thanked the institution that the Elías Querejeta Award went to him. "I take it as an encouragement to continue working with a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of passion," he commented, before paying tribute to his colleagues on this path: "The directors with whom you learn to make films, but also about life; the producers with whom I work, the technicians and actors who are incredible artists. Cinema is a craft of collective creation, there is something magical that makes everything go forward," he explained.

Atienza also dedicated some loving words to Juan Antonio Bayona, constant in his professional career: “I have had the most important and exciting moments of my life making films with you.” “We discuss a lot, especially in The snow society. We are like Leoncio the lion and Juancho the lizard, like Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, who argue, but never separate. "I have realized that we are the same thing, and I don't know how to go without you by my side," he countered. Bayonne, who broke down when talking about the person who has been with him since The orphanage, his debut film.

In his thanks, Atienza did not forget his family and cited his son, “for his support and patience,” and his padre, "who taught me to love cinema when I was little. Then I was lucky enough to dedicate myself to making films, which is the most beautiful job in the world, so I dedicate this award to him."

Agustín Díaz Yanes, Gustavo Ferrada, Mercedes Gamero, José Luis Hervías, Álex Lafuente, Enrique López Lavigne, Elena Manrique, Pilar Pérez Solano, Edmon Roch, Lola Salvador, the director of Cannes Thierry Frémaux y Maria Belon (the woman who inspired the story of Impossible) among others, joined in the tribute to Belén Atienza, who received congratulations via video from Naomi Watts, Viggo Mortensen, Oscar Faura, Bernat Vilaplana y Pablo Vierci.