Gerardo Herrero, Elías Querejeta Award from the Film Academy 2026

Querejeta Award 2026 awarded by the Film Academy – The award will take place on September 22 during the celebration of the San Sebastián Festival.

Herrero has received the news “as an honor” and has expressed that it fills him with “joy and pride” to bear the name of his personal friend Elías Querejeta.

Likewise, it has highlighted the changing and demanding nature of the cinematographic profession. “I don’t know what it is, and I don’t believe that perfect production exists, because it can always be improved.. What there are are well-produced films: those in which you tell the best possible stories and of which you feel proud,” he noted in a statement.

Furthermore, he has analyzed the complex situation of the independent sector, pointing out that “it is a profitable business for very few” and has concluded that currently “The independent producer survives, we fight not to lose, to maintain ourselves, not to make money.”

Herrero, founder of the production company Tornasol and responsible for more than 180 feature films, has in his career titles such as ‘The Secret in Their Eyes’ – winner of the Oscar award -, ‘The Bride’s Son’, ‘Martín (Hache)’, ‘Land and Freedom’, ‘Balada triste de trumpet’ or ‘The Kingdom’.

In addition, The Madrid professional served as president of the Film Academy in 1994 after the death of Fernando Rey.

With this award in its fourth edition, the institution recognizes Herrero’s work in the development of co-productions between Spain and Latin America.