THE CATALAN ACTRESS SAYS RECEIVING THE AWARD CARRIES SPECIAL EMOTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE DUE TO HER FAMILY TIES TO THE ARAGONESE PYRENEES
COSTA EMBRACES A NEW PROFESSIONAL CHAPTER GUIDED BY JOY: “I WANT TO APPROACH EVERYTHING FROM A PLACE OF ENJOYMENT, NOT FEAR”
THE ACTRESS HIGHLIGHTS THE VALUE OF NEW FEMALE PERSPECTIVES IN THE AUDIOVISUAL INDUSTRY: “WE ARE BEGINNING TO WRITE OURSELVES INTO OUR OWN STORIES, AND THAT IS VERY POWERFUL”
Laia Costa – Photo: ANA ESCARIO (EL ESTUDIO)
Actress Laia Costa, one of the most prominent figures in Spanish audiovisual production today and winner of the Goya, Forqué, Feroz, Gaudí and two Platino Awards for her performances in Lullaby and Un amor, is attending the 54th edition of the Huesca International Film Festival to receive the Carlos Saura City of Huesca Award. The prize was presented by the late filmmaker’s widow and daughter, filmmakers Eulalia Ramón and Anna Saura.
“When I found out I was going to receive the award, there was first a very personal element because my father is from the Aragonese Pyrenees. I spent many summers here, and there is something about the places we call home that connects with you in a different way, even professionally,” she said during a press conference held at the Provincial Council of Huesca.
Costa also expressed her excitement at receiving an award bearing the name of Carlos Saura and reflected on the early stages of her career, drawing an unexpected connection between Victoria, the German film that launched her international career, and Deprisa, deprisa, one of Saura’s most iconic works.
The actress shared reflections on her current professional moment, one guided by enjoyment and fulfilment rather than fear. Having recently appeared in The Mummy by director Lee Cronin, a horror film produced by Jason Blum and James Wan, Costa admitted that she initially felt apprehensive. However, her team encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone, and the experience became one she greatly enjoyed, despite the considerable emotional demands it involved.
“I have no doubt there will be a next time, but I want to approach everything from a place of joy,” she insisted while explaining the criteria guiding her selection of future projects.
Costa also spoke about her role in Crusaders, directed by Daniel Sánchez Arévalo, describing the shoot as a great deal of fun. The project arrived at a time when she had decided not to take on any more filming commitments because she wanted to rest.
“It was the first time Dani had made a thriller, and there is something about first times that really attracts me. I’m especially drawn to debut films because I feel that first experiences bring a fresh energy,” she said.
The actress also took the opportunity to champion the growing presence of female voices within the audiovisual sector. While acknowledging that challenges such as work-life balance remain unresolved, she highlighted the importance of more women writing, directing and producing their own stories.
“We are beginning to tell our own stories, and that is very powerful,” she noted.
Reflecting on the female characters she has portrayed throughout her career, Costa stressed the importance of creating complex figures that move beyond stereotypes.
“When people tell me my characters are unlikeable, I love it because it opens the door to conversation,” she confessed, advocating for characters who are “human, real, nuanced and complex.”
The opening of the 54th Huesca International Film Festival will also feature the presentation of the Pepe Escriche Award to the Portuguese Cinematheque, a cultural institution that has been dedicated to preserving and promoting cinematic heritage since 1948. The institution will be represented by its director, Rui Machado.
