Spain’s Choice for the Oscars
Spain has officially selected “Saturn Return” to represent the country in the best international feature race at the 2025 Oscars. This biopic, set in the 1990s, tells the story of the Spanish indie rock band Los Planetas and their journey to fame. Directed by Isaki Lacuesta and Pol Rodríguez, the film made its debut at the Malaga Film Festival, where it received recognition for best director, best editing, and best Spanish film.
The Story of “Saturn Return”
“Saturn Return” delves into the origins of Los Planetas during a tumultuous period in the late 1990s in Granada. The band was on the brink of a crisis just before embarking on the creation of an album that would ultimately redefine them and the Spanish music scene. The film stars Daniel Ibáñez, Cristalino, Stéphanie Magnin, Mafo, Chesco Ruiz, and Edu Rejón. The screenplay was written by Lacuesta and Fernando Navarro, while production was handled by Ikiru Films, La Terraza Films, Áralan Films, Bteam Prods, Sideral Cinema, Los Ilusos Films, and Toxicosmos AIE.
The Filmmakers Behind the Project
Isaki Lacuesta, known for his previous works such as “The Next Skin” (2016), “Between Two Waters” (2018), and “One Year, One Night” (2022), co-directed “Saturn Return” alongside Pol Rodríguez, who directed the 2016 film “Quatretondeta.” The collaboration between Lacuesta and Rodríguez has brought to life a compelling narrative that has captivated audiences and critics alike.
Spain’s Track Record at the Oscars
Spain has a rich history of participation in the Best International Feature race at the Oscars, with 21 nominations and 4 wins to date. Last year, J.A. Bayona’s “Society of the Snow” represented Spain in the international category. With a strong tradition of producing acclaimed films, Spain continues to be a contender on the global stage of cinema.
As the submission deadline for the 96th Oscars approaches on November 14, 2024, “Saturn Return” stands poised to compete against other international entries. The shortlist of contenders for the best international feature category will be announced on December 17, followed by the official nominations on January 17, 2025. The 2025 Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, March 2, where the world will witness the celebration of cinematic excellence.
Spain’s decision to submit “Saturn Return” for the Oscars reflects the country’s commitment to showcasing its diverse talent and storytelling on an international platform. With a compelling narrative, stellar performances, and a creative team behind the scenes, this biopic promises to leave a lasting impression on audiences and judges alike. As the journey to the Oscars unfolds, all eyes will be on Spain and its cinematic representation in the prestigious international feature race.