Brazil and Argentina Triumph at the 13th Platino Awards as O Agente Secreto and El Eternauta Sweep Top Honors in Riviera Maya

The 13th edition of the Platino Awards for Ibero-American Cinema and Audiovisual Arts concluded in a spectacular ceremony at the Gran Tlachco Theater in Xcaret, Riviera Maya, Mexico, marking a historic night for the industries of Brazil and Argentina. The gala, which celebrates the best in film and television from 23 Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, saw Kleber Mendonça Filho’s political thriller "O agente secreto" and Bruno Stagnaro’s sci-fi epic "El Eternauta" emerge as the evening’s most decorated productions. While the Brazilian feature film dominated the cinematic categories, the Argentine production secured its status as a landmark in contemporary television by sweeping the major awards in the series and miniseries brackets.

The Dominance of Brazilian Cinema and the Legacy of Kleber Mendonça Filho

"O agente secreto" arrived at the ceremony as a heavy favorite and ultimately secured four of the most prestigious trophies of the night: Best Ibero-American Fiction Film, Best Direction, Best Screenplay, and Best Male Performance for Wagner Moura. The film, set in 1977 during the waning years of the Brazilian military dictatorship, follows a man seeking refuge in a coastal town while navigating a landscape of paranoia and political espionage.

The victory marks a significant milestone for director Kleber Mendonça Filho, who has become a recurring figure in the international awards circuit following the success of his previous works, such as "Aquarius" and "Bacurau." In his acceptance speech, Mendonça Filho emphasized the social responsibility of the medium, asserting that cinema serves as a vital tool for truth-telling in an era he described as a "moment of lies." Producer Emilie Lesclaux further highlighted the collective effort required to bring such a complex period piece to fruition, noting the film’s successful international trajectory prior to its Platino recognition.

This win also signals a period of unprecedented dominance for Brazilian cinema within the Platino ecosystem. For the second consecutive year, a Brazilian production has claimed the top prize for Best Fiction Film, following the 2025 success of Walter Salles’ "Ainda estou aqui." Industry analysts suggest this trend reflects a robust resurgence in Brazilian audiovisual production, supported by a combination of government incentives and a new wave of narrative experimentation that resonates with global audiences.

Argentina’s Scientific and Serial Triumph with El Eternauta

In the television categories, the night belonged to "El Eternauta," a high-budget adaptation of the legendary 1957 graphic novel by Héctor Germán Oesterheld and Francisco Solano López. The series, which depicts an alien invasion in Buenos Aires and the subsequent human resistance, was lauded for its technical ambition and narrative depth.

The production secured three major accolades: Best Miniseries or Teleseries, Best Creator for Bruno Stagnaro, and Best Male Performance in a Series for Ricardo Darín. Darín, an icon of Ibero-American cinema and a previous Platino winner, was praised for his nuanced portrayal of Juan Salvo, the story’s protagonist. Stagnaro’s win for Best Creator reinforces his position as a pioneer of the "New Argentine Cinema" and a visionary in long-form storytelling. The success of "El Eternauta" is viewed as a testament to the viability of producing large-scale genre fiction within the Ibero-American region, competing directly with high-budget North American and European streaming content.

Celebrating Regional Diversity and Historic Firsts

Beyond the primary winners, the 13th Platino Awards highlighted the geographical and thematic breadth of the Ibero-American industry. A historic moment occurred when "Olivia & Las Nubes," directed by Tomás Pichardo Espaillat, was named Best Animated Film. This victory represents the first time a production from the Dominican Republic has received a Platino Award, signaling the growth of the Caribbean nation’s animation sector and its increasing competitiveness on the regional stage.

Spain also maintained a strong presence throughout the night. Blanca Soroa was awarded Best Female Performance for her role in "Los Domingos," directed by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, a film that has been praised for its intimate exploration of family dynamics. Additionally, the award for Best Debut Feature (Opera Prima) went to Eva Libertad’s "Sorda," a poignant exploration of disability and identity. In the comedy sector, Manuel Gómez Pereira’s "La cena" took home the prize for Best Ibero-American Fiction Comedy, further solidifying Spain’s reputation for high-quality genre filmmaking.

The documentary category saw the return of a familiar face to the podium. Petra Costa, the Academy Award-nominated director of "The Edge of Democracy," won Best Documentary Film for "Apocalipse nos Trópicos." The film continues Costa’s exploration of the intersection between religion and politics in modern Brazil, marking her second Platino win in this category following her 2020 victory.

The Platino of Honor: A Tribute to Guillermo Francella

One of the most emotional segments of the evening was the presentation of the Platino of Honor to Argentine actor Guillermo Francella. With a career spanning over four decades, Francella has transitioned from a beloved comedic star to one of the most respected dramatic actors in the Spanish-speaking world. His filmography includes the Oscar-winning "The Secret in Their Eyes" and the critically acclaimed series "The Clan."

The honorary award recognizes Francella’s extraordinary contribution to the visibility of Ibero-American talent worldwide. In his remarks, Francella reflected on the evolution of the industry and the importance of cross-border collaborations, urging the new generation of filmmakers to continue pushing the boundaries of the regional narrative.

Chronology of the Event and Industry Context

The 13th Platino Awards followed a rigorous selection process that began months earlier, with over 1,000 productions from 23 countries initially considered. The final gala in Riviera Maya served as the culmination of a week-long series of industry meetings, press conferences, and cultural exchanges designed to foster cooperation between producers and creators.

The timeline of the ceremony was structured to balance technical recognition with artistic celebration. The technical awards, including cinematography and sound editing, were highlighted early in the evening, underscoring the high production values currently found in the region. This was followed by the acting and directing categories, leading up to the final reveal of the Best Fiction Film.

The Platino Awards are promoted by EGEDA (Entidad de Gestión de Derechos de los Productores Audiovisuales) and FIPCA (Federación Iberoamericana de Producción Cinematográfica y Audiovisual), in collaboration with FIACINE (Federación Iberoamericana de Academias de Artes y Ciencias Cinematográficas). Since their inception in 2014, the awards have moved between various cultural hubs, including Panama, Spain, Uruguay, and Mexico, reflecting the itinerant and inclusive nature of the organization.

Economic Impact and Future Implications

The success of the 13th Platino Awards occurs at a pivotal moment for the Ibero-American audiovisual market. According to recent data from EGEDA, the combined Ibero-American market represents a potential audience of over 800 million people. The rise of global streaming platforms has significantly increased the demand for local content, leading to a "golden age" of production in countries like Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Spain.

The dominance of "O agente secreto" and "El Eternauta" suggests a shift toward prestige content that addresses historical and social themes through the lens of popular genres like the thriller and science fiction. This strategy has proven effective in securing both critical acclaim and commercial viability. Furthermore, the inclusion of new categories, such as Best Long-form Series—won this year by the Brazilian production "Beleza fatal" created by Raphael Montes—demonstrates the awards’ adaptability to changing consumption habits.

For the winners, the Platino Award often serves as a springboard for further international recognition. Statistics show that films honored at the Platinos frequently see a surge in distribution deals and are often submitted as their countries’ official entries for the Academy Awards. The recognition of Paulina Gaitán as Best Female Performance in a Series for "Las muertas" also highlights Mexico’s continued strength as a powerhouse for television production, particularly in the drama and suspense genres.

As the curtains closed on the 13th edition in Riviera Maya, the message from the Ibero-American creative community was clear: despite economic and political challenges across the region, the industry remains a resilient and essential pillar of cultural identity. The diversity of the winners and the high quality of the nominated works suggest that the Ibero-American audiovisual sector is not only thriving but is increasingly becoming a central player in the global entertainment landscape.