Netflix's 'La Bola Negra' to open in US theaters Oct 16 with record 47‑day window

Netflix announced that the Spanish epic *La Bola Negra* will open in U.S. and Canadian cinemas on October 16, 2026, before becoming available on the streaming service on December 2. The 47‑day exclusive theatrical run is the longest window the company has ever granted, a move intended to boost the film’s awards prospects, particularly at the Oscars. The film, directed and co‑written by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi (known as Los Javis), spans nearly a century of Spanish history and features an international cast that includes Penélope Cruz, Glenn Close, Guitarricadelafuente, Miguel Bernardeau, and others. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won Best Director and received strong critical praise. Netflix acquired the U.S. distribution rights after a competitive bidding war at Cannes and will also distribute the film in Canada. The strategy marks a departure from the streamer’s usual short‑window releases and underscores its commitment to traditional theatrical exhibition for awards‑season titles.