The Secret Agent,’ “The Eternaut’ Sweep Premios Platino

The 2026 edition of the annual Ibero-American awards event Premios Platino, known as the Platinos Xcaret, saw a Brazilian feature dominating the ceremony for the second consecutive year. Kleber Mendonça’s “The Secret Agent” emerged as the big winner, taking home top honors in categories such as best feature, director, screenplay, and actor (Wagner Moura). The crime drama, which was also nominated for four Oscars and received four prizes at Cannes, continued its winning streak at the Platino Awards.

Another standout at the event was Spain’s San Sebastian Golden Shell winner, “Sundays” (“Los Domingos”), which clinched the audience prize during a pre-awards ceremony. The event also honored the upsurge of production in Colombia and other Latin American countries, with Argentina’s Guillermo Francello receiving the prestigious Platino Honorary Award for his contributions to the industry.

In the technical categories, Spain and Argentina battled it out, with Spain’s “Sirât” by Oliver Laxe winning awards in special effects, cinematography, and sound. On the TV side, Argentina’s “The Eternaut” emerged as a major winner, securing seven awards including best series and actor for Ricard Darin.

Dolores Fonzi was recognized for her role in the Oscar-shortlisted film “Belén,” both as a supporting actress and for her Film & Education in Values contribution. Brazil also celebrated success in the series category with “Scars of Beauty,” a popular telenovela on HBO Max Latin America.

The awards ceremony was not without controversy, as a political dispute between Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum and the visiting president of the Madrid regional government Isabel Díaz Ayuso spilled over into the proceedings. Despite the tensions, the event proceeded smoothly, with Grupo Xcaret issuing a statement denying any political interference in the awards.

With a full list of winners spanning various categories in film and television, the 13th edition of the Platino Awards showcased the best of Ibero-American cinema. The event, co-sponsored by the Community of Madrid and the Madrid City Council, rotates between the Xcaret resort in Cancun and the city of Madrid, with Madrid set to host the ceremony in 2027.