The Gotham Film & Media Institute announced today that Netflix’s “La Bola Negra,” the film from directors Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, popularly known as Los Javis, will receive The Gotham Vanguard Tribute at the 36th Annual Gotham Film Awards on Monday, November 30th, 2026, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. The tribute will celebrate the filmmakers and cast members Guitarricadelafuente, Miguel Bernardeau, Carlos González, Milo Quifes, Lola Dueñas, Penélope Cruz, and Glenn Close for their remarkable film, an inspired reincarnation of the spirit of Spanish poet and playwright Federico García Lorca.
“Inspiring and imaginative, ‘La Bola Negra‘ reminds us why Federico García Lorca remains one of the twentieth century’s essential voices,” said Jeffrey Sharp, Executive Director of The Gotham Film & Media Institute. “Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo, together with an extraordinary cast, bring Lorca’s exploration of desire and belonging to new audiences in a film of sweeping ambition and emotional depth. Their collaboration is exactly the kind of daring filmmaking The Gotham Vanguard Tribute was created to celebrate, and we’re thrilled to honor their incredible work this November.”
Taking its name from an unfinished play by Lorca and drawing on his writings and legacy, “La Bola Negra” spans three generations and pivotal moments in Spanish history. In 1932, Carlos (Milo Quifes) longs to belong in a fractured Spain. In 1937, Sebastián (Guitarricadelafuente) finds connection across enemy lines. And in 2017, Alberto (Carlos González) uncovers a long-buried family secret that gives voice to truths the past tried to erase. Calvo and Ambrossi co-wrote “La Bola Negra” with Alberto Conejero, whose play “La piedra oscura” was among the works that informed the film. Together, they have created a story about freedom, inheritance, and the generations whose courage made it possible to live more openly.
Acclaimed Spanish singer-songwriter Guitarricadelafuente makes his acting debut in the film, which also features Miguel Bernardeau as Rafael Rodríguez Rapún, Julio Torres as Juan Pablo, Penélope Cruz as Nené Romero, and Glenn Close as Isabelle.
“La Bola Negra” earned Calvo and Ambrossi the Best Director Prize at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, then went on to win the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. The TIFF win made it the first Netflix title to receive the festival’s top prize and the first international film to do so in 15 years. “La Bola Negra” is also Spain’s official submission for the Academy Award for International Feature Film. The film opens in New York City and Los Angeles on October 16th, then expands to additional theaters across the United States and Canada. Select theaters will present it in 35mm. “La Bola Negra” will debut on Netflix in the United States and Canada on December 2nd.
The Gotham Vanguard Tribute recognizes pioneering films that push the boundaries of cinema through fearless artistic choices. Last year’s Vanguard Tribute honored Guillermo del Toro, Oscar Isaac, and Jacob Elordi for their bold reimagining of “Frankenstein,” and celebrated the enduring impact of Mary Shelley’s story. It was previously announced that LAIKA will receive the Gotham Anniversary Tribute and that Danny Boyle will receive the Gotham Director Tribute for “Ink” at the 36th Annual Gotham Film Awards Ceremony.
Winners of the 36th Annual Gotham Film Awards will be honored at the awards ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street on Monday, November 30th, 2026. Nominees will be announced on October 27th, 2026.
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