The 2025 Cinemanet Awards Gala, held at the San Pablo CEU University auditorium on May 12, paid a heartfelt tribute to Andrés Garrigó, founder of Goya Producciones, by presenting him with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his 25 years of dedication to faith-based filmmaking.
Andrés Garrigó, a trained journalist and one of the pioneers in the revival of Catholic cinema in Spain, was recognized as a key figure in promoting audiovisual content with a profound spiritual and human dimension. In his speech, he recalled the early days of Goya Producciones in the year 2000, inspired by the work of Mother Angelica and EWTN, and emphasized how Providence has guided a path filled with challenges, miracles, and unexpected fruits.
“We started with no experience, with modest means, and often without funding. But when you work with faith, help always comes,” said Garrigó, who dedicated the award to his “wonderful team” and to the people who have been transformed by Christ through his documentaries and films. Distributed in theaters and on platforms around the world, his works have been seen by millions across all five continents.
Cinemanet’s director, Daniel Arasa, praised Garrigó as “a figure who has dedicated his life to promoting great values through cinema,” and highlighted his role in paving the way for a new generation of Catholic filmmakers.
In addition to the tribute to Garrigó, the Gala also awarded the real-life character Manolo Vital (“El 47”), portrayed by Eduard Fernández, and the fictional character Rita, the protagonist of the film directed by Paz Vega.
Awards were also given to La promesa de Irene and Hispanoamérica: Canto de vida y esperanza, for their uplifting vision and defense of human dignity.
The ceremony concluded with a Spanish wine reception among filmmakers, scholars, and officials, in an evening that further established Cinemanet as an essential platform for cinema with soul.