“La Bola Negra,” directed by Spanish filmmakers Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, has won the audience award at the 2026 BFI London Film Festival. The film stars Penélope Cruz, Glenn Close and Miguel Bernardeau, and is also nominated for best international independent film at the British Independent Film Awards.
The film premiered in the U.K. at the festival on Oct. 8, playing to sold-out audiences. Calvo and Ambrossi said they were delighted by the award and thanked viewers who attended and voted, describing recognition from audiences as particularly meaningful.
Inspired by an unfinished final work by Spanish poet and playwright Federico García Lorca and a play by Alberto Conejero, the drama connects the lives of three men across 1932, 1937 and 2017. It explores queer identity, forbidden love and how personal histories can be preserved or erased.
The cast also includes Lola Dueñas, Carlos González and Spanish musician Guitarricadelafuente, making his feature-film acting debut. Spain has selected “La Bola Negra” as its official submission for best international feature at the 2027 Academy Awards.
Altitude is set to release the film in U.K. and Irish cinemas on Nov. 6.
Sources: Variety.