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5 clusters · 20 sources · 25 days · First seen · Last updated

Release and Academy Award prospects for La bola negra

Overview

The film ‘La bola negra’, directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi (known as ‘Los Javis’), is an upcoming production based on Federico García Lorca’s unfinished work ‘La piedra oscura’. The film explores themes of identity, sexuality, and repression through a narrative triptych connecting three gay men across the years 1933, 1937, and 2017.

Following a Best Director win at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, the directors have highlighted the film’s anti-fascist message. The production features a cast including Penélope Cruz, Glenn Close, Miguel Bernardeau, Lola Dueñas, and musician Guitarricadelafuente, who makes his acting debut. While the production was marked by two deaths, including an accident involving a 78-year-old extra in Comillas, the film has emerged as a major Academy Award favorite.

As of September 2026, predictions from The Hollywood Reporter rank the film as the top favorite for Best International Feature. It is also positioned as a contender for Best Picture and Best Director (fourth place), Best Cast and Best Costume Design (third place), and Best Cinematography (fifth place). Musician Guitarricadelafuente remains a potential nominee for Best Supporting Actor and Best Original Song.

Regarding its release, the film is scheduled to premiere in Spanish cinemas on September 25. In the United States, Netflix has announced a strategic distribution plan where the film will arrive in theaters on October 16 with an exclusive 46-day theatrical window—the longest granted by the platform to date—before streaming on Netflix on December 2. This strategy is intended to bolster the film’s presence in award season conversations.

Entities

Penélope Cruz · Federico García Lorca · Javier Calvo · Javier Ambrossi · Glenn Close

Timeline

  1. 1 day ago

    [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Los Javis film ‘La bola negra’ to premiere in cinemas September 25

    Directed by Los Javis, the film ‘La bola negra’ premieres in Spain on September 25. Following Cannes success, Netflix will grant it an unprecedented 46-day theatrical window in the US.

  2. 7 days ago

    [CULTURE] 5 sources
    La bola negra emerges as Oscar favorite for Best International Feature

    Spanish film ‘La bola negra’ is projected by The Hollywood Reporter as a top contender for the Oscars, specifically ranking first in the Best International Feature category.

  3. 10 days ago

    [CULTURE] 9 sources
    Netflix unveils trailer for Spanish queer epic La Bola Negra

    Netflix has unveiled the trailer for ‘La Bola Negra,’ a queer-themed Spanish epic directed by Los Javis and starring Penélope Cruz and Glenn Close, inspired by the life of Federico García Lorca.

  4. 14 days ago

    [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Los Javis prepare ‘La bola negra’ for Oscar contention

    Directors 'Los Javis' are preparing the release of ‘La bola negra’, a historical drama inspired by Federico García Lorca that is a leading candidate for Spain’s Oscar submission.

  5. 26 days ago

    [CULTURE] 5 sources
    La bola negra film explores Lorca’s legacy and political themes

    Directors Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi are set to release ‘La bola negra’ in 2026, a film based on Federico García Lorca’s work exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and anti-fascism.

Sources

20minutos.com.mx · dix.jp · elfarandi.com · excelsior.com.mx · filmofilia.com · fotogramas.es · gayety.co · gayvox.fr · lanigua.com.mx · lovelondonloveculture.com · lrmonline.com · okdiario.com · poraqui.news · que.es · queerty.com · qx.se · thepeoplesmovies.com · tomandlorenzo.com · us.hola.com · xeu.mx

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history