Ibero-American Animation Excellence Celebrated at the 9th Quirino Awards in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The Ibero-American animation industry reached a significant milestone on April 17 as the 9th edition of the Quirino Awards concluded with a prestigious gala in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. This annual event, which has rapidly become the premier benchmark for animation across the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking worlds, showcased a diverse array of winners that underscored the creative maturity and growing international competitiveness of the region. The awards ceremony served as the culmination of several days of industry networking, co-production forums, and screenings, highlighting the strategic importance of the Canary Islands as a global hub for the audiovisual sector.

The distribution of awards this year reflected a balanced geographic landscape, with honors divided equally between the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America. Spain led the tally with three awards, followed closely by Colombia, Portugal, and Brazil, each securing two accolades. Argentina rounded out the winners’ circle with one award. This parity emphasizes the collaborative nature of the industry, where cross-border co-productions are increasingly becoming the standard for high-quality, commercially viable projects.

A Triumph for Auteur Cinema: Alberto Vázquez and Decorado

The most coveted prize of the evening, Best Feature Film, was awarded to "Decorado," directed by the acclaimed Galician filmmaker, illustrator, and graphic novelist Alberto Vázquez. The film, which explores themes of identity, existential dread, and the artifice of modern society, represents a significant achievement in adult-oriented animation. Inspired by Vázquez’s own short film of the same name, "Decorado" is a complex co-production involving Spanish firms María y Arnold AIE, Abano Producións, Uniko, and Glow Animation, alongside the Portuguese studio Sardinha em Lata.

This victory marks the third Quirino Award for Alberto Vázquez, who previously won Best Short Film for the original "Decorado" in 2018 and "Homeless Home" in 2021. Vázquez has become a central figure in European animation; his previous feature, "Unicorn Wars," garnered international acclaim and a Goya Award, further cementing his reputation for blending dark, satirical narratives with distinctive visual aesthetics. The success of "Decorado" at the 9th Quirino Awards reinforces the industry’s support for bold, auteur-driven storytelling that challenges traditional animation tropes.

Advancements in Television and Short Film Formats

In the category of Best Series, the Colombian production "Hay algo detrás de ti" (Something is Behind You) emerged victorious. Directed by Julián Gómez Reyes and produced by Careloko Producciones, the series targets a young audience with a sophisticated blend of suspense and mystery. The narrative focuses on everyday fears and inexplicable phenomena, treated with a level of psychological depth rarely seen in children’s programming.

The production of "Hay algo detrás de ti" highlights the critical role of public funding in the growth of Latin American animation. The series was supported by Abrecámara, a public fund managed by the Colombian Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (MinTIC). This financial backing enabled the series to reach a broad audience through six public television channels in Colombia, demonstrating how state-level investment can foster high-quality content that resonates both locally and internationally.

Meanwhile, the award for Best Short Film went to Portugal for "Cão Sozinho" (Lonely Dog), directed by Marta Reis Andrade. This 2D animated fable serves as an intimate exploration of loneliness and family reconnection, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. Produced by BAP – Animation Studio in co-production with the French firm Ikki Films, the short film has already enjoyed a successful festival run, with selections in approximately 40 international events. Its win at the Quirino Awards solidifies Portugal’s reputation for producing poetic and technically proficient short-form animation.

Technical Excellence and Specialized Categories

The 9th Quirino Awards also recognized the technical and specialized pillars that sustain the animation industry. The awards for technical achievement were notably dominated by short films, showcasing the innovation occurring within smaller-scale productions.

• Best Visual Development: Awarded to "Safo," directed by Brazilian artist Rosana Urbes (Planta Filmes). The film was praised for its evocative aesthetic and artistic cohesion.
• Best Animation Design: The award went to "My Gut Friend," a co-production between Argentina and Mexico. Directed by José Manuel Lo Bianco and Mariano Andrés Bergara (Can Can Club, Primo Content, GUT), the project was lauded for its fluid movement and character design.
• Best Sound Design and Original Music: The Spanish short "El fantasma de la Quinta" (The Ghost of the Quinta), directed by James A. Castillo (Illusorium Films, Martirio Films), took home this prize, highlighting the essential role of auditory storytelling in immersive animation.

In the specialized categories, the awards highlighted the versatility of the medium:

• Best School Short Film: "Balada de peces y pájaros" (Ballad of Fish and Birds) by Anny Uribe and Juan José Arévalo, a collaboration between Colombia and Spain.
• Best Music Video: "Paulinha" by Portuguese director Ana Marta Mendes, featuring the music of Raul Manarte.
• Best Commissioned Work: "18 Months" by Paulo Garcia and Natalia Gouvea, produced by the renowned Brazilian studio Zombie Studio.
• Best Video Game Animation: "Stars in the Trash" by José Ginés Picón López (Valhalla Cats, Spain), reflecting the increasing convergence between the animation and gaming industries.

The Selection Process and International Jury

The winners were selected from an initial pool of 265 works submitted from across the Ibero-American region. A preliminary committee narrowed the field down to the finalists, who were then evaluated by a distinguished international jury. This year’s jury featured a diverse group of industry veterans, ensuring a global perspective on the regional output.

The panel included Cesar Cabral, the Brazilian director who won the Quirino for Best Feature in 2022; Moe Honan, CEO of Ireland’s Moetion Films; Marilyn Montano, a prominent producer from the Philippines; Martha Sepúlveda, a Colombian-American executive at CAKE Entertainment; and Krešimir Zubčić, an editor and producer from Croatia’s HRT. The involvement of such high-level international professionals underscores the Quirino Awards’ mission to build bridges between Ibero-America and the global market.

Tenerife: A Strategic Hub for the Animation Industry

The hosting of the Quirino Awards in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is not merely a cultural choice but a strategic one. The Canary Islands have emerged as one of the most attractive locations for animation studios worldwide, thanks to a combination of lifestyle appeal and aggressive fiscal incentives. Through the Tenerife Film Commission and the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC), the region offers tax rebates of up to 50% for international productions and 45% for Spanish productions, significantly higher than the mainland rates.

These incentives have successfully attracted major studios and fostered a local ecosystem of talent. Currently, dozens of animation companies operate out of Tenerife, employing hundreds of professionals and contributing millions of euros to the local economy. The Quirino Awards serve as a showcase for this infrastructure, drawing hundreds of executives to the island for the "Quirino Co-production and Business Forum," which runs parallel to the awards. This forum facilitates hundreds of B2B meetings, driving the development of future projects and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Broader Implications and the Road to the 10th Anniversary

The results of the 9th edition of the Quirino Awards suggest a maturing industry that is increasingly comfortable moving beyond traditional boundaries. The success of adult-oriented films like "Decorado" and the technical sophistication of video game animation like "Stars in the Trash" indicate that Ibero-American creators are diversifying their output to meet global demand across various platforms and demographics.

Furthermore, the balanced distribution of awards between Europe and Latin America highlights the effectiveness of the Ibero-American project. By pooling resources, talent, and cultural perspectives, the region is able to produce works that rival the output of major North American and Asian studios. The Quirino Awards have become the "glue" for this community, providing a space for recognition that was previously lacking in the international circuit.

As the industry looks forward, the organizers have already announced the dates for the landmark 10th anniversary of the awards. The celebration is scheduled to take place from April 21 to 23, 2027, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This upcoming edition is expected to be a retrospective of a decade of growth, as well as a launchpad for the next generation of animators who are currently being trained in the very "School Shorts" categories recognized this year.

The 9th Quirino Awards have reaffirmed that animation is not just a genre but a powerful medium for cultural expression and economic growth. With the continued support of institutions like the Cabildo de Tenerife and Turismo de Tenerife, the Ibero-American animation sector is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory on the world stage. The gala on April 17 was not just a night of trophies; it was a testament to the resilience, creativity, and collaborative spirit of a community that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible on screen.