Lorraine Williamson
NEW YORK – Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar used his acceptance speech at the prestigious Chaplin Award Gala to deliver a blistering critique of Donald Trump, while also reflecting on political and social challenges both in the United States and Spain.
The event, held on Monday, 28 April at Lincoln Centre, honoured Almodóvar’s career in cinema. The Spanish director is known internationally for his vivid storytelling and for championing LGBTQ+ representation in film.
Chaplin award celebrates Almodóvar’s cinematic legacy
The Chaplin Award is presented annually to filmmakers who have made significant contributions to cinema. Almodóvar joins a list of recipients including Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Scorsese, and Meryl Streep.
The evening featured tributes from fellow artists, including Scorsese and singer Dua Lipa. Clips from Almodóvar’s most iconic films were shown, celebrating a career spanning over four decades.
Director launches strong political critique
Almodóvar’s speech quickly turned political. “I hesitated to come to a country governed by a narcissistic, authoritarian fool,” he said, referring to Donald Trump. He accused the former president of undermining democracy and disrespecting human rights.
Drawing comparisons to regimes in Russia, China, and North Korea, he warned of growing authoritarianism. “You will go down in history as the greatest mistake of our time,” he said, addressing Trump directly.
He also criticised disinformation campaigns surrounding the war in Ukraine. “Zelensky is not a dictator. Putin is,” he said. “It was Russia that invaded Ukraine, not the other way around.”
Almodóvar expresses fears for Spain
Almodóvar took time to comment on recent events in Spain, including a widespread power outage that left parts of the country paralysed. He expressed concern for those affected, particularly vulnerable people stranded in stations or public spaces.
Tribute to origins and democratic values
Reflecting on his own upbringing under the Franco regime, the director honoured Spain’s democratic transition. He credited that period with giving him artistic freedom. A heartfelt tribute to his mother and La Mancha, his home region, highlighted the personal foundations of his storytelling.
Hollywood figures praise Spanish filmmaker
Martin Scorsese described Almodóvar as a director who “embraces life in all its complexity.” Dua Lipa noted his unforced inclusion of trans and gay characters, calling it an important part of his artistic identity.
A stage for protest and principles
The ceremony, intended to honour a filmmaker, became a broader commentary on justice and freedom. Almodóvar dedicated his award to “the thousands who have been deported,” to trans actress Hunter Schafer – affected by U.S. passport regulations – and to Harvard University for defending academic freedom.
Almodóvar’s address was a passionate defence of diversity, artistic expression, and human rights. His words echoed long after the applause ended, turning a moment of personal achievement into a wider call for resistance against intolerance.
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