Eva Lovia
The Spanish audiovisual landscape is celebrating a significant milestone as the ninth annual ALMA Awards have concluded, bestowing accolades upon the most outstanding television screenplays of the year. This prestigious ceremony, organized by the Spanish Screenwriters’ Union ALMA, underscores the vital role of scriptwriting in shaping compelling narratives across film, television, and streaming platforms. This year’s edition, held at the historic Cine Capitol in Madrid, highlighted a robust creative period for Spanish fiction, with "Sueños de Libertad," "Anatomía de un Instante," and "Poquita Fe" emerging as the top honorees in their respective television series categories.
Established to champion and elevate the craft of screenwriting, the ALMA Awards have grown in stature since their inception, becoming a crucial benchmark for excellence within the industry. The union, representing a collective of professional screenwriters, aims to foster a greater appreciation for the complex and often unseen work that forms the backbone of every successful production. The ceremony serves not only as an awards presentation but also as a forum for dialogue and advocacy concerning the rights and recognition of screenwriters. The 2026 edition, in particular, demonstrated a keen awareness of contemporary storytelling trends and the diverse genres that captivate audiences.
Honoring Excellence in Series Screenwriting
The night’s most anticipated awards in the television series categories recognized exceptional talent and storytelling across different genres. In the fiercely competitive "Best Comedy Series Screenplay" category, the acclaimed series "Poquita Fe" secured the prestigious ALMA Award. The sharp wit and relatable humor of "Poquita Fe" were penned by the dynamic duo Juan Maidagán and Pepón Montero, whose collaborative efforts have clearly resonated with both critics and audiences. This win solidifies "Poquita Fe’s" position as a standout in Spanish comedic television, celebrated for its ability to tackle everyday absurdities with intelligence and charm.
The "Best Drama Series Screenplay" award was presented to "Anatomía de un Instante." This series, lauded for its intricate plot and profound exploration of complex themes, was written by a formidable team: Fran Araújo, Rafael Cobos, and Alberto Rodríguez. Their masterful storytelling in "Anatomía de un Instante" has been commended for its depth, historical resonance, and the nuanced portrayal of its characters and their motivations. The victory underscores the growing sophistication of Spanish dramatic series and their capacity to engage with significant societal and historical narratives.
In the "Best Daily Series Screenplay" category, "Sueños de Libertad" emerged as the triumphant contender. This recognition highlights the demanding nature of daily serials, which require consistent high-quality writing to maintain audience engagement over extended periods. The success of "Sueños de Libertad" is a testament to the extensive and dedicated writing team behind the series, comprising Beatriz Duque, Verónica Viñó, Jordi Calafí, Eulalia Carrillo, Mauricio Romero, Roberto Goñi, Alexis García Pérez de Medina, Bárbara Alpuente, Julia Altares, Luis Chover, Rocío Chozas, Mercedes Cruz, Guillermo Escobedo, Carlos Falces, Matías García, Ernesto Grimaldi, Beatriz González Cruz, Laura Molpeceres, Ana Muñiz da Cunha, Federico Muñoz Alonso, Manel Nofuentes, Nacho Pérez de la Paz, Clara Pérez Escrivá, Susana Sánchez Carvajal, Laura Solana Erdozain, and Almudena Vázquez. The sheer number of contributors speaks to the collaborative spirit and immense effort involved in crafting a successful daily drama that has captured the hearts of viewers.
A Highly Competitive Field: Nominees Across Series Categories
The 2026 ALMA Awards showcased a robust field of nominees across all television fiction categories, reflecting the vibrant and diverse output of the Spanish television industry. The "Best Comedy Series Screenplay" category saw "Poquita Fe" compete against other notable productions, including "Animal" and "La vida breve." The presence of these strong contenders highlights the rich comedic talent flourishing in Spain, offering audiences a variety of humorous perspectives and styles.
In the "Best Drama Series Screenplay" category, "Anatomía de un Instante" faced stiff competition from "Pubertat" and "Yakarta." These nominations demonstrate a trend towards ambitious and thought-provoking dramatic narratives that explore challenging subjects and push the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The quality of scripts in this category signifies a maturing television drama scene in Spain.
The "Best Daily Series Screenplay" category featured a compelling lineup with "Sueños de Libertad" vying for the top spot against "Valle Salvaje" and "La Promesa." The consistent popularity and critical attention garnered by these daily series underscore their significant impact on the television landscape and their ability to connect with a broad audience on a regular basis.
Furthermore, the "Best Documentary Series Screenplay" category presented "Crims," "Expediente Vallecas," and "Los archivos secretos del NO-DO." The ALMA Award in this segment ultimately went to "Crims," acknowledging the compelling narrative construction and insightful research that went into documenting real-life events. This category’s inclusion emphasizes ALMA’s commitment to recognizing excellence in all forms of non-fiction storytelling.
Reinforcing the Indispensable Value of the Screenplay
The ALMA Awards, now in their ninth year, have firmly established themselves as a cornerstone recognition for screenwriters in Spain. The event consistently serves to highlight the fundamental importance of the screenplay as the foundational element of any successful audiovisual production. By celebrating the writers, the ALMA Awards contribute to a broader cultural understanding of the creative labor involved in bringing stories to life. This year’s ceremony further cemented this notion, providing a platform for industry professionals to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities facing screenwriters in a rapidly changing media environment.
Beyond the competitive categories, the ALMA Awards also present a special accolade to honor significant lifetime achievements and contributions to the field. This year, the ALMA Award of Honor was bestowed upon the writing team of "Polònia." This prestigious recognition acknowledged their remarkable two-decade trajectory and their consistent ability to wield comedy as a powerful tool for social and political commentary. "Polònia’s" enduring success and its skillful use of satire serve as an inspiration and a testament to the power of well-crafted comedic writing.
The collective success of the awarded and nominated series at the 2026 ALMA Awards paints a clear picture of a Spanish fiction sector that is currently in a period of remarkable strength and creativity. The breadth of genres represented, from sharp comedies and profound dramas to engaging daily serials and insightful documentaries, indicates a dynamic and diverse industry capable of producing high-quality content that appeals to a wide range of audiences, both domestically and internationally. The continued recognition and celebration of screenwriting through the ALMA Awards are crucial for fostering innovation and ensuring the sustained growth of Spanish audiovisual production. The event serves as a vital reminder that behind every captivating visual, every memorable performance, and every emotional arc, lies the foundational brilliance of the screenwriter.
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