Alberto Vázquez’s ‘Decorado’ Scoops Top Feature Prize at 9th Quirino Awards; Colombia, Portugal Share Major Wins

**Ibero-American Animation Soars: A Tapestry of Talent Unfurls at the 9th Quirino Awards**

In a vibrant celebration of creativity and cross-cultural collaboration, the 9th Ibero-American Animation Quirino Awards, held recently in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, illuminated the burgeoning landscape of animated storytelling across the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking worlds. The evening’s most coveted prize, Best Feature Film, was rightfully bestowed upon Galician animation luminary Alberto Vázquez for his profoundly resonant work, “Decorado.” This triumph not only underscored Vázquez’s singular artistic vision but also signaled a pivotal moment for an industry increasingly gaining global recognition for its unique narratives and innovative techniques.

Vázquez, known for his distinctive and often darkly humorous exploration of human nature, delivered with “Decorado” a powerful, bruising meditation on the intricacies of identity and the deceptive allure of surface appearances in a society obsessed with the superficial. His animation style, often characterized by its stark contrasts and unsettling beauty, provides the perfect canvas for these deep philosophical inquiries. The film’s victory at the Quirinos marks a significant addition to Vázquez’s already impressive accolades, including a prestigious Goya Award for Best Animated Feature earlier this February, solidifying its status as a critical darling.

This latest win represents Vázquez’s third Quirino triumph, a testament to his consistent impact on the Ibero-American animation scene. He previously earned a short film award in 2018 for the original 11-minute version of “Decorado,” a piece that laid the groundwork for the feature-length masterpiece, and again in 2021 for the equally acclaimed “Homeless Home.” Such repeated recognition highlights not just individual brilliance but also a sustained commitment to pushing the boundaries of animation as a medium for profound artistic expression. The production of “Decorado” itself stands as a shining example of international cooperation, a co-production between Spain’s María y Arnold AIE, Abano Producións, UniKo, and Glow Animation, alongside Portugal’s Sardinha em Lata. This collaborative model is increasingly vital for independent animation, allowing artists to pool resources, talent, and creative perspectives to bring ambitious projects to life.

Beyond the feature film category, the Quirino Awards showcased the diverse and dynamic talent flourishing throughout Ibero-America. Colombia, in particular, demonstrated its growing prowess, punching above its weight with a significant win in the series category. Bogotá-based Careloko Producciones triumphed with “There Is Something Behind You,” a suspense-laced children’s animation series that captivated audiences and critics alike. Written and directed by Julián Gómez Reyes, the series, backed by Colombia’s Abrecámara public fund, exemplifies the vibrant storytelling emerging from Latin America, offering young viewers engaging narratives that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. The success of children’s animation like this is crucial, as it helps cultivate a new generation of animation enthusiasts and provides culturally relevant content that resonates with local audiences while also having international appeal.

Portugal also distinguished itself, with Marta Reis Andrade clinching Best Short Film for “Dog Alone.” This beautiful 2D fable delves into universal themes of loneliness and the intricate web of family ties, rendered with a sensitive hand and evocative visual style. Produced by BAP – Animation Studio in French co-production with Ikki Films, “Dog Alone” is another testament to the power of international collaboration in bringing artistic visions to fruition. The short has already garnered considerable attention on the festival circuit, earning selections at prestigious events such as AFI Fest and the Valladolid International Film Festival, further underscoring its artistic merit and global resonance. These selections are invaluable for independent animators, providing crucial exposure and validation in a competitive landscape.

The geographic spread of the awards was a clear indicator of the robust health and widespread talent within the Ibero-American animation community. Spain led the pack with three wins, followed closely by Colombia, Portugal, and Brazil, each securing two awards. Argentina added one to the tally, resulting in a perfectly balanced five-five split between the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America. This equilibrium is particularly noteworthy, reflecting a vibrant ecosystem where creativity is fostered and recognized across the entire region. The jury, tasked with the challenging mission of sifting through an impressive 265 submissions, had their work cut out for them, a testament to the sheer volume and quality of animated projects being produced. This high number of submissions speaks volumes about the dynamism and growth of the industry, demonstrating a fertile ground for innovation and storytelling.

The awards also celebrated excellence across a range of specialized categories, highlighting the multifaceted nature of animation production. In the Best School Short Film category, the Colombia-Spain co-production “Ballad of Fishes and Birds,” directed by Anny Uribe and Juan José Arévalo, took home the honors. This award is particularly significant as it recognizes emerging talent, offering a platform for the next generation of animators and showcasing the quality of animation education in the region. These student films often provide a fresh perspective and fearless approach to storytelling, unburdened by commercial pressures.

Portuguese artist Ana Marta Mendes was recognized for Best Music Video for “Paulinha,” animating a track by musician Raul Manarte under the Os Filmes do Pinguim banner. Animation in music videos has always been a powerful art form, allowing for a fusion of auditory and visual storytelling that can elevate both elements. Mendes’s work in “Paulinha” exemplifies this synergy, creating a visual narrative that perfectly complements and enriches the musical experience.

Brazil’s Zombie Studio, a renowned name in the animation world, nabbed Best Commissioned Film for “18 Months” by Paulo Garcia and Natalia Gouvea. This category acknowledges the intricate balance between client objectives and artistic integrity in commercial animation. Zombie Studio’s win demonstrates that commissioned work can also achieve high artistic standards and narrative sophistication, often reaching wider audiences through diverse platforms.

Rounding out the creative categories, Spain’s Valhalla Cats walked off with Best Video Game Animation for José Ginés Picón López’s “Stars in the Trash.” Video game animation presents unique challenges, requiring not only artistic flair but also an understanding of interactivity and player experience. This award highlights the growing recognition of animation’s vital role in the immersive world of gaming, where character design, environmental animation, and visual effects contribute immensely to the overall narrative and player engagement.

The technical categories, crucial for acknowledging the intricate craft behind every animated piece, saw shorts take center stage. Best Visual Development was awarded to Brazilian multi-hyphenate Rosana Urbes (Planta Filmes) for “Safo.” Visual development is the bedrock of any animated project, establishing the aesthetic, mood, and overall look and feel of a film or series. Urbes’s win celebrates the meticulous and imaginative work that goes into creating a cohesive and captivating visual world.

Animation Design was won by the Argentina-Mexico co-production “My Gut Friend,” directed by José Manuel Lo Bianco and Mariano Andrés Bergara (Can Can Club, Primo Content, GUT). Animation design focuses on the movement, expressions, and overall performance of characters, breathing life into drawings and models. This award underscores the artistry involved in creating believable and engaging character animation that resonates with audiences.

Finally, Best Sound Design and Original Music recognized Spain’s “The Quinta’s Ghost” by James A. Castillo (Illusorium Films, Martirio Films). The importance of sound in animation cannot be overstated; it shapes atmosphere, enhances emotion, and drives the narrative forward. Castillo’s work, which also impressively made the Oscars shortlist this year, exemplifies the masterful integration of sound and music to create a truly immersive and memorable experience, proving that audio is just as vital as visuals in animation.

The international jury, a panel of distinguished professionals from across the globe, played a crucial role in identifying and celebrating these outstanding achievements. Chaired by Brazilian producer Cesar Cabral, himself a 2022 Quirino feature winner for “Bob Cuspe – Nós Não Gostamos de Gente,” the jury brought a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives. Cabral’s leadership, informed by his own recent success, ensured a nuanced understanding of the creative and logistical challenges faced by animators. He was joined by Ireland’s Moe Honan (Moetion Films), a veteran producer; the Philippines’ Marilyn Montano (PlayLab Animation Studio, TeamApp), bringing an Asian perspective; Colombian-American Martha Sepúlveda (CAKE Entertainment), offering insights into distribution and international markets; and Croatia’s Krešimir Zubčić (HRT), contributing expertise from European public broadcasting. This diverse composition ensured that the judging process was comprehensive, fair, and reflective of global industry standards, further elevating the prestige of the Quirino Awards.

The 9th Ibero-American Animation Quirino Awards were more than just an awards ceremony; they were a powerful affirmation of a burgeoning industry, a testament to the power of diverse storytelling, and a beacon for future collaborations. The talent showcased, the international partnerships highlighted, and the artistic innovation celebrated all point to a bright and exciting future for Ibero-American animation on the global stage, offering unique voices and visions that enrich the worldwide entertainment landscape. The success of female creators and industry leaders, from directors like Marta Reis Andrade and Anny Uribe to visual development artists like Rosana Urbes and influential jury members like Marilyn Montano and Martha Sepúlveda, further underscores the increasing inclusivity and diverse talent driving this creative wave.