Carmen Machi, recognized for her role as Aida in the acclaimed Spanish series “7 Lives” and its spin-off “Aida,” has received the prestigious 2026 National Film Prize at the San Sebastian Festival. This award, conferred by Spain’s Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts (ICAA), comes with a €30,000 prize.
During the award ceremony, co-screenwriter Diego San José emphasized Machi’s significance to Spanish culture, humorously comparing her to national landmarks. He stated that her performances reflect the experiences of many women, honoring her diverse portrayals.
Machi’s recent accolades include winning best actress for her role in “Celeste” at Series Mania and stellar performances in films like “Talk to Her” and “Piggy.” Spanish Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, praised her innate talent and compared her to renowned actresses like Anna Magnani.
Reflecting on her journey, Machi shared her childhood fascination with cinema, expressing how acting became both a refuge and a source of joy, shaping her life and career.
