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La bola negra selected as Spain's official Oscar entry
The Spanish Film Academy has selected the drama ‘La bola negra’ (The Black Ball) to represent Spain in the race for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards. Directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, known as ‘Los Javis’, the film explores themes of love, sexuality, and identity across three generations of Spanish history, inspired by the unfinished work of poet Federico García Lorca.
The production is backed by a significant international campaign, with Netflix managing the North American launch. Industry experts have noted the film’s strong potential, with some predicting multiple Oscar nominations for its cast, which includes Penélope Cruz and Glenn Close. The film previously won Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival.
In conjunction with its awards campaign, the film has released an original song titled ‘La Nieve’, performed by singer-songwriter Guitarricadelafuente, who also makes his acting debut in the production. ‘La bola negra’ is scheduled for a theatrical release in Spain on September 25, followed by a U.S. theatrical run on October 16 and a global digital premiere on December 2.
Entities
Alejandro Amenábar · Federico García Lorca · Javier Ambrossi · Javier Calvo · La Bola Negra · Los Javis · Netflix · Penélope Cruz · Spain Film Academy · Spanish Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences · Spanish Film Academy
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The directors won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival. www.cameraandlightmag.com · www.lasexta.com · www.diariodecadiz.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.laopinioncoruna.es
- [● 5 SOURCES] The film ‘La bola negra’ has been selected to represent Spain in the Best International Feature Film category at the 2027 Oscars. www.cameraandlightmag.com · www.lasexta.com · www.diariodecadiz.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.laopinioncoruna.es
- [● 5 SOURCES] The film is directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, known as Los Javis. www.cameraandlightmag.com · www.lasexta.com · www.diariodecadiz.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.laopinioncoruna.es
- [● 5 SOURCES] The film is inspired by the unfinished work of Federico García Lorca. www.cameraandlightmag.com · www.lasexta.com · www.diariodecadiz.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.laopinioncoruna.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] The film is scheduled for commercial release in Spain on September 25. www.lasexta.com · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.laopinioncoruna.es
- [● 5 SOURCES] ‘La bola negra’ was chosen over ‘El ser querido’ by Rodrigo Sorogoyen and ‘Los domingos’ by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa. www.cameraandlightmag.com · www.lasexta.com · www.diariodecadiz.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.laopinioncoruna.es
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Netflix has acquired the film for distribution in the United States. www.diariodecadiz.es
- [● 4 SOURCES] The film's cast includes Penélope Cruz and Glenn Close. www.cameraandlightmag.com · www.diariodecadiz.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.laopinioncoruna.es
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The documentary is produced to mark ninety years since the death of Federico García Lorca. www.diariodealmeria.es
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The documentary ‘Lorca, las horas perdidas’ reconstructs the murder of Federico García Lorca using a true crime approach. www.diariodealmeria.es
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Guitarricadelafuente released the original song ‘La Nieve’ specifically for the film La Bola Negra. www.entertainmentaffair.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] La Bola Negra is scheduled for a U.S. theatrical release on October 16, 2026. www.entertainmentaffair.com