Almodóvar rewarded for lifetime of achievements

A star studded spectacle took place at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York last night to celebrate the career of Pedro Almodóvar, Spain’s most famous film director and writer. Almodóvar was the guest of honour at the event which had no shortage of celebrities with the likes of Hollywood actresses Drew Barrymore and Blake Lively attending alongside fashion giants Karl Lagerfeld and Anna Wintour.

Almodóvar is no stranger to success having produced a whole range of critically acclaimed films over a long career. In the past he has won two Oscars for Todo sobre mi madre in 1999 and Hable con ella in 2002 making him the most successful person ever in Spanish film. Almodóvar’s latest release entitled The Skin I live In has again received critics’ praise for the way he tackles difficult and controversial themes relating to women in society, female liberation and Spanish identity.

Other directors to be similarly honoured by MoMA include Baz Luhrmann and Tim Burton. During an emotional speech given at the ceremony Almodóvar acknowledged that he owed much of his early success to MoMA who showed his films in the USA for the first time 28 years ago giving him exposure outside of Spain.

Although still popular in Spain, the vast majority of Almódovar fans come from other European countries and the USA. His films reveal a side of Spain and the Spanish people not often witnessed by foreigners making them essential viewing for anyone interested in Spanish culture, They are also a great resource for improving your Spanish language skills whilst being entertained at the same time!