Brazilian Film 'The Secret Agent' Wins Top Honors at 13th Platino Awards
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The 13th edition of the Platino Awards for Ibero-American cinema concluded in Riviera Maya, Mexico, with Kleber Mendonça Filho's 'The Secret Agent' winning the Best Feature prize and six other awards. The event, co-sponsored by the Community of Madrid and Madrid City Council, also saw major wins for Netflix's Argentine series 'The Eternaut' and HBO Max's Brazilian telenovela 'Scars of Beauty'. A political dispute between Mexican and Spanish leaders was acknowledged but denied by the event's host.
Facts First
- Brazil's 'The Secret Agent' won Best Feature along with awards for director, screenplay, actor, music, editing, and art direction.
- Argentina's Netflix series 'The Eternaut' won seven awards, including Best Limited Series and acting prizes for Ricardo Darín.
- Brazil's 'Scars of Beauty' won Best TV Series, marking HBO Max Latin America's first original telenovela.
- The awards gala is held alternately in Mexico and Madrid, with Madrid scheduled to host the next edition in 2027.
- The host venue denied political pressure after a Spanish official accused the Mexican government of fostering a boycott.
What Happened
The 13th Platino Awards (Platino Xcaret) were held on May 9 at the Xcaret resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Kleber Mendonça Filho's Brazilian film 'The Secret Agent' was the top winner, securing the Best Feature award and six others, including Best Director and Best Actor for Wagner Moura. Argentina's Netflix series 'The Eternaut' won seven awards, including Best Limited Series. Brazil's 'Scars of Beauty', HBO Max Latin America's first original telenovela, won Best TV Series. A pre-awards ceremony the day before distributed prizes in 21 categories, including an audience prize for Spain's 'Sundays'. The Platino Honorary Award was presented to Argentine actor Guillermo Francella.
Why this Matters to You
If you enjoy international cinema, this event highlights the creative output from Latin America, Spain, and Portugal, which may influence the films and series available on streaming platforms like Netflix and HBO Max. The recognition of these works could lead to wider international distribution and more visibility for Ibero-American talent. The awards also serve as a cultural bridge, though they have recently been situated within a political context between Mexican and Spanish leaders.
What's Next
The awards ceremony will likely continue its biennial rotation, with Madrid scheduled to host the next edition in 2027. The winning films and series may gain increased promotional opportunities and audience reach. The political tensions surrounding the event appear to have been addressed by the host organization, which may allow future editions to focus more squarely on celebrating cinematic achievement.