Why Hollywood hearts Spain

[Iberia Airlines]

It’s that time of year again, as the stars head for alignment this Sunday at the Dolby Theatrein Los Angeles for the 86th Academy Awards. Spain has been represented in recent years by quite a few luminaries, including directors Pedro Almodóvar, Néstor Almendros, Carlos Saura, and Luis Buñuel, as well as actors Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz. (plus, let’s face it, Antonio Banderas is the gift that keeps on giving, year round). This year there are no biggies of their stature in contention, though we’re certainly rooting for Aquel No Era Yo (That Wasn’t Me), a searing story of child soldiers in Sierra Leone from Esteban Crespo, nominated for Best Live Action Short Film.

However often Spain goes to Hollywood, however, there’s no question that Hollywood loves to come to Spain year in, year out, and has been at it for at least 70 years to film big productions that have included some of the classics of our time...

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