The Festival de Málaga held the Malaga – SUR Award ceremony tonight at the Cervantes Theatre, a recognition that honours the careers of outstanding figures in the Spanish audiovisual industry. This year, the award went to Rossy de Palma, one of the most unique and recognisable actresses in European cinema.

The ceremony was presented by actress and director Mabel Lozano, who welcomed the audience, recalling the spirit of this recognition: "Once again this year, this award serves to pay tribute to people who leave an indelible mark on our retinas every time we see them on the screen".

During her speech, Lozano dedicated a few personal words to her close friend, the honouree. "Rossy is my sister, my friend and accomplice. We have been walking together for many years, and this is not metaphorical but real because we are also neighbours", she pointed out, before highlighting the personality and talent of the actress. "Rossy de Palma is unique, she has so much personality, so much presence and so much charisma that her talent can be recognised anywhere in the world".

The presenter also recalled the artistic dimension of the honouree, whose career spans film, theatre, fashion, design and other creative disciplines, as well as her social commitment.

A video was shown during the gala that reviewed some of highlights of Rossy de Palma's film career.

Actresses Carmen Machi and Blanca Portillo also took part in the event, along with Luna Lione, the artist's daughter. They dedicated a few words to the honouree before presenting her with the award.

Machi recalled the admiration she has felt for the actress since the beginning of her career: "In the 80s I was already fascinated to see her with Peor Impossible, in the midst of the movida madrileña. I thought: ‘I’d love to be friends with this woman'. Over time life gave me the gift of sharing friends, moments and finally a film together. Rossy is a total artist, an iconic figure in film and in life. But, above all, she’s a beautiful, generous person with a huge heart”.

Portillo highlighted the performer’s energy and sensitivity: "I probably knew her the least personally, but I deeply admired Rossy de Palma. After sharing time and work with her, I’ve discovered a woman who is light, an energy that makes the ground shake. She’s beauty, searching and tenderness, and also an overwhelming force. She’s beautiful inside and out and, above all, an extraordinary companion, always generous".

Actress Luna Lione, daughter of the honouree, shared a personal reflection on what it means to grow up with her: "The question I’ve been asked most in my life is what it feels like to be Rossy de Palma's daughter. I always answer the same thing: that I never get bored. Rossy is a multifaceted, wonderful woman who has always preferred to ask for forgiveness rather than permission. She taught me that nothing happens in life unless you go out and look for it, and I’m very lucky to be her daughter”.
After receiving the Málaga – SUR Award, Rossy de Palma took to the stage to thank the audience at the Cervantes Theatre for their recognition.

The actress was moved to express her gratitude for the tribute: "I’m overwhelmed by so much love. I'm not used to receiving so many compliments all at once," she said. De Palma also recalled her ties with the event and with the city: "I’ve experienced wonderful moments at this festival since it began. The most important thing is the audience in Malaga, a city that gives itself to cinema in an incredible way".

She also wanted to defend the creative value of all professions: "We’re all artists. A biznagauero [flower seller] is an artist, so is an espetero [esparto artisan]. Anyone who puts love into what they do every day is creating".

The Malaga – SUR Award is part of the series of tributes that the Festival de Málaga dedicates each year to outstanding figures in the audiovisual industry, recognising careers that have made a decisive contribution to the development and projection of Spanish cinema.