American Cinematheque Receives Premios Platino Award for Long-Time Support of Spanish Language Films on the Big Screen

American Cinematheque Chairman Rick Nicita accepts the Platinum Award from actor Eugenio Derbez.

The American Cinematheque’s Chairman Rick Nicita, accepted a Platino (Platinum) Award today on behalf of the non-profit, theatrical exhibitor that operates the Aero and Egyptian Theatres. The award was presented at a press conference to announce the nominees of the 2015 Premios Platino of Iberoamerican Cinema, at the Andaz Hotel in West Hollywood.  The award recognized the American Cinematheque’s dedication to showcasing Spanish language films in Los Angeles.  Actor and Formula 3 race car driver Eugenio Derbez from Mexico presented the award to Nicita.

Founded in 1981, the American Cinematheque has a decades-long tradition of exhibiting Iberoamerican Cinema. Its longest running series, Recent Spanish Cinema,  will present its 21st edition in October 2015 and the organization regularly screens selections from Latin and South America – often providing Los Angelenos with the opportunity to see the official Foreign-Language submissions to the Academy Awards from those regions. Films from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Chile, Mexico and Spain are among the Spanish language offerings at the Cinematheque's theaters - giving the public opportunities to see films that may not otherwise be widely distributed. Many of these screenings are accompanied by filmmakers and actors in person for discussion. Included in the talent roster of in person appearances are filmmakers and actors (often early in their careers, before they were known in the U.S.) such as Pedro Almodovar, Alejandro Amenabar, Javier Bardem, Iciar Bollain, Penelope Cruz, Alfonso Cuaron, Emmanuel Lubezski, Carmen Maura and Sebastian Silva. The American Cinematheque continues to be a place where new talent from outside the U.S. can be discovered by audiences eager to experience world cinema.

The "Platinum Award" was designed by Javier Mariscal. The feminine form's arms are extended as she offers up planet earth.

Actress Kate del Castillo announced Antonio Banderas as the Premios Platino Lifetime Achievement Winner.

Antonio Baderas was announced as the Lifetime Achievement Award winner and awards in a number of categories for individual films. Some of these titles will most likely turn up in Los Angeles at the American Cinematheque in the Fall. 

The Premios Platinos are a co-production of the Spanish artists’ rights management agency EGEDA and the Mexican organization FIPCA (Iberoamerican Federation of Film & Audiovisual Producers). FIPCA promotes Iberoamerican co-productions and looks after the distribution and broadcast of all product, transcending borders. Additionally FIPCA celebrates Iberoamerican talent. The Premios Platinos represent 23 countries, with 700 movies participating. TNT has entered into a strategic alliance with the Premios Platinos for cable broadcasting.  The second annual Premios Platinos of Iberoamerican Cinema will take place on July 18, 2015 in Marbella, an Andalusian resort spot.

American Cinematheque president gives acceptance speech with actor Eugenio Derbez.

EGEDA Latin America director Raul Vazquez.

Text & photos by Margot G.

May 27, 2015