Cannes Hit 'La Bola Negra' Named Spain's Oscar Submission
Spain has chosen Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi's 'La Bola Negra' as its entry for the 2027 international feature Academy Award. The film, which premiered at Cannes, stars Penelope Cruz and Glenn Close. It beat out 'The Beloved' and 'Sundays' for the nomination.
The selection marks a major milestone for the directing duo, whose Cannes premiere generated significant buzz for its bold storytelling. Penelope Cruz appears in an extended cameo role, while Glenn Close features prominently in the production, adding international star power to the Spanish entry.
Spain's shortlist was notably competitive this year, including Rodrigo Sorogoyen's "The Beloved" with Javier Bardem and Alauda Ruiz de Azua's "Sundays," which had already earned Goya and San Sebastián recognition. Industry observers suggest "La Bola Negra" may also attract attention in other Oscar categories beyond the international feature race.
This selection could elevate Spanish cinema's global visibility, potentially drawing wider audiences to Spanish-language films and boosting the careers of Calvo and Ambrossi internationally. The inclusion of Hollywood names like Cruz and Close may increase crossover appeal with American voters and audiences. It could also reinforce Spain's reputation as a producer of ambitious, festival-caliber cinema, though the competitive landscape for the international feature award remains unpredictable.