Glamour on the blue carpet for big night of Spanish film

The outstanding winner of the night was the Spanish-French co-production As Bestas (The Beasts in Galician) which picked up the Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Supporting Actor and Best Original Script, among others.

However, perhaps even more greatly anticipated by the general public than the awards themselves was the arrival of the stars of the Spanish film industry, with the usual glitz and glamour of an event of this kind.

Two Oscar-winners caught much of the cameras' attention: French actress Juliette Binoche, there to receive the International Goya; and Penélope Cruz, well known at home and in Hollywood. Just as sparkling, though, were the rest of the guests who paraded into the gala that rewarded the flourishing Spanish film industry.

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This year's Goya ceremony was marked by sadness following the death the previous day of Carlos Saura. The 91-year-old film director was the recipient of this year's Goya of Honour for his long career of filmmaking dating back to the 1950s.

Just a few days ago, the president of the Spanish film academy visited Saura at his home near Madrid to give him his award personally, as he was to be represented at the gala by his family. On Saturday, just hours after his death, his widow and two children still took to the stage and accepted his Goya amid an emotional tribute.