Miguel Rellán, the winner of the first Goya, repeats 40 years later: "Many unimaginative directors call me to play a professor, I want to be a drag queen, damn it"
Miguel Rellán, who won the first-ever Goya award 40 years ago, expresses his desire to take on more diverse roles beyond the traditional characters offered to him.
In a recent interview, Miguel Rellán, the celebrated actor who made history by winning the first Goya award in 1987, shares his thoughts on the evolving landscape of Spanish cinema. He reflects on how, despite his historic win, many directors continue to pigeonhole him into roles such as professors, revealing a frustration with the lack of imaginative casting in the industry. Rellán passionately expresses a desire to embrace more flamboyant roles, specifically mentioning an interest in performing as a drag queen, which highlights the diversity he wishes to explore in his acting career.
Rellán's comments come as the film industry prepares for the 2026 Goya Awards, with notable films like "Los domingos" emerging as frontrunners. This year's nominations include a variety of works that showcase the breadth of talent and creativity among Spanish filmmakers, although the expectations for roles available to seasoned actors like Rellán remain limited. His candid remarks challenge the traditional narratives surrounding aging actors in cinema and stress the need for more original storytelling that embraces diverse characters.
As Spain's cultural landscape expands, Rellán's desire for more creative freedom in role selection could signal a shift in how the industry approaches casting older actors. His call for change resonates with broader movements in film and theatre aiming to break away from stereotypes and embrace diversity, reflecting the growing acceptance for varied representations in the arts.