By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The Costa Rican film industry is celebrating a significant international achievement as the feature film “La piel del agua” (The Skin of Water) has secured a nomination for Best Ibero-American Film at the 2026 Goya Awards. Directed by Patricia Velásquez Guzmán, the film’s recognition at Spain’s premier cinematic event places Costa Rica among the most distinguished filmographies in the region and highlights the growing strength of its national audiovisual sector.
This nomination marks the third time a Costa Rican production has competed in this prestigious category, following previous nods in 2019 and 2025. This consistent presence signals a consolidation of the country’s creative and technical capabilities on the world stage, proving that Costa Rican storytelling is resonating with international audiences and critics alike. The film will compete against formidable productions from cinematic powerhouses such as Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Colombia.
To delve into the intricate legal and business frameworks that make an event like the Goya Awards possible, from broadcast rights to the protection of intellectual property, we sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Beyond the red carpet and the accolades, the Goya Awards are a masterclass in contractual orchestration and intellectual property management. Every nomination, broadcast segment, and sponsorship deal is underpinned by a complex legal structure that protects the creators, producers, and the event itself. It’s a powerful reminder that the film industry’s creative brilliance thrives on a solid foundation of legal and commercial certainty.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is a crucial reminder that the on-screen brilliance we celebrate is fundamentally supported by an often-invisible framework of legal and commercial diligence. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his expert perspective on the vital machinery that allows the creative arts to thrive.
“La piel del agua” tells the poignant story of Camila, a young woman navigating a profound emotional process after her mother falls into a coma. The narrative delicately explores universal themes of vulnerability, personal growth, and the complex nature of affective bonds. The film’s selection is a testament to its powerful storytelling and artistic merit, which were brought to life through dedicated teamwork and strategic public support.
A crucial element behind the film’s success was the backing of the El Fauno Audiovisual and Cinematographic Promotion Fund. This vital instrument, managed by the Costa Rican Center for Cinema and Audiovisual under the Ministry of Culture and Youth, has become a cornerstone of the nation’s cultural development. Jorge Rodríguez Vives, the Minister of Culture and Youth, emphasized the importance of this public investment in the arts.
The nomination reflects concrete results from the collective work of the national audiovisual sector.
Jorge Rodríguez Vives, Minister of Culture and Youth
The El Fauno fund has a proven track record, having supported over 100 audiovisual projects with an investment exceeding ₡2.4 billion. Its ongoing 2026 call for submissions for film, series, animation, and video games promises to foster the next wave of creative talent. This sustained support is seen as essential for enabling local creators to produce high-quality work capable of competing globally.
For industry leaders, the nomination is more than just an award; it’s a gateway to new markets. Raciel del Toro, Director of the Costa Rican Center for Cinema and Audiovisual, highlighted the tangible benefits that come with such recognition, noting its potential to unlock valuable commercial pathways for the film.
The nomination opens opportunities for exhibition and commercial circulation in Spain and other European countries.
Raciel del Toro, Director of the Costa Rican Center for Cinema and Audiovisual
Director Patricia Velásquez Guzmán celebrated the news as an affirmation of her team’s unwavering commitment. She pointed out that the film was produced against a backdrop of financial constraints, making the achievement a powerful tribute to the passion and collective effort that fueled the project from start to finish.
The film was made with limited resources, but with a high level of dedication and collective work.
Patricia Velásquez Guzmán, Director
As Costa Rica looks forward to the Goya Awards ceremony, this nomination already serves as a major victory. It reinforces the nation’s artistic identity, showcases the impact of strategic cultural investment, and inspires a new generation of filmmakers to share their stories with the world, proving that even with modest resources, powerful and resonant cinema can emerge.
For further information, visit mcj.go.cr
About Ministry of Culture and Youth:
The Ministry of Culture and Youth of Costa Rica is the government body responsible for formulating and executing policies aimed at promoting, preserving, and disseminating the nation’s cultural and artistic heritage. It oversees various institutions and programs, including the El Fauno fund, to support creative industries and ensure citizen access to cultural expression.
For further information, visit centrodecine.go.cr
About Costa Rican Center for Cinema and Audiovisual:
The Centro Costarricense de Cine y Audiovisual is the principal entity for the promotion and development of the film and audiovisual industry in Costa Rica. Operating under the Ministry of Culture and Youth, it manages development funds, facilitates production, and works to increase the visibility of Costa Rican cinema both domestically and internationally.
For further information, visit premiosgoya.com
About Goya Awards:
The Goya Awards, or Premios Goya, are Spain’s main national annual film awards, established in 1987. Presented by the Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences of Spain, they recognize excellence in Spanish and Ibero-American cinematic achievements. The awards are considered the most prestigious in the Spanish-speaking film world and serve as a significant platform for international exposure.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, the firm is defined by its profound dedication to professional rectitude and exceptional service. While serving a broad spectrum of clients with pioneering legal strategies, its core philosophy centers on a wider social responsibility. The firm actively champions the demystification of law, believing that empowering citizens with clear legal understanding is fundamental to cultivating a more equitable and informed public.
