Else Beekman
Marisa Paredes, one of the great figures of Spanish cinema and an enduring muse of Pedro Almodóvar, has died at the age of 78. This was confirmed on Tuesday by Spain’s Film Academy. Paredes, who presided over the Academy for three years, received the Goya of Honour in 2018 for a career that bridged national and international recognition.
Born near Madrid’s Teatro Español, Paredes was drawn to acting from a young age. She made her film debut at 14 in Esta noche tampoco and steadily built her career through the 1960s. Herein, collaborating with directors like Narciso Ibáñez Serrador and Jaime de Armiñán.
Almodóvar and international success
Paredes’ breakthrough came in the 1980s, when she became a defining presence of Spain’s cinematic revival during the post-Franco era. Her collaborations with Pedro Almodóvar cemented her status as a cinematic icon. It started with Entre tinieblas and continuing through classics like Tacones lejanos and La flor de mi secreto. There she delivered her first major leading role. Her elegance and commanding performances made her synonymous with Almodóvar’s cinematic universe. Consequently, reaching global audiences through films such as Todo sobre mi madre.
Nuanced performances
Marisa Paredes was celebrated for her versatility and her ability to embody strong, complex, and enigmatic women, particularly in her collaborations with Pedro Almodóvar. With a quiet grace and remarkable emotional depth, she brought an unparalleled authenticity to her roles. Paredes excelled at capturing subtle emotions and unspoken inner conflicts, giving her characters a raw humanity that resonated deeply with audiences. Her nuanced performances made her a master of portraying the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability, cementing her status as one of Spain’s most compelling screen presences.
International successes
Paredes’ career extended well beyond Spain. Following her success in Tacones lejanos, she featured in acclaimed European and Latin American films, including Profundo carmesí and El coronel no tiene quien le escriba, directed by Arturo Ripstein. Her international profile soared further with roles in Roberto Benigni’s Life is Beautiful, winner of three Oscars, and Guillermo del Toro’s The Devil’s Backbone.
A voice for change
Paredes was not only a star but also a public figure committed to political and social causes. During her tenure as President of Spain’s Film Academy, she delivered a memorable speech against Spain’s involvement in the Iraq War. This reinforced her reputation as an advocate for progressive causes.
Despite her vast contributions to cinema, Paredes received relatively few awards. She was nominated for only two Goyas during her career. However, in 2018, the Academy honoured her with a Goya of Honour for her enduring impact on Spanish cinema.