Alex de la Iglesia was presented with the Spanish National Film Award yesterday in the Victoria Eugenia Theatre by the Minister of Culture,Ángeles González Sinde, in recognition of his “indisputably innovative, ground-breaking career” as well as the ”role he has played as head of the Spanish Film Academy.”

The director,who has just won the Silver Lion at Venice for best director and best screenplay for Balada triste de trompeta, thanked those present for the award and promised to only make a short speech for two reasons: “I’ve got nothing interesting to say and I haven’t slept for 24 hours.”

González Sinde described the director’s work as “arthouse cinema for the masses” and affectionately stressed his ability to entrance people.

Several old friends of de la Iglesia attended the ceremony, including Chema Prado, head of the Spanish Film Library, and the actors, Eduardo Noriega, Xabier Elorriaga and Aizpea Goenaga, along with Mikel Olaciregui and José Luis Rebordinos on behalf of the Festival.