Javier Bardem‘s new Spanish movie gets a release date, putting the actor on a potential Oscar path. Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Rodrigo Sorogoyen, the drama movie premiered at the 79th Cannes Film Festival and was well received.
The Beloved, starring Bardem, will have its U.S. qualifying theatrical run later this year, followed by a wider theatrical rollout in early 2027 (via Deadline). Kino Lorber has secured the North American distribution rights and plans to release the film theatrically in key markets. The distributor will also bring The Beloved to digital, educational, and home video markets after its theatrical premiere. The film will also make its North American premiere at the Toronto Film Festival.
The Beloved follows Esteban Martínez (Javier Bardem), an acclaimed Spanish director, and his estranged daughter, Emilia Vera (Victoria Luengo). An unsuccessful actress, Emilia, reunites with her father to work on a film together, forcing them to confront their strained relationship and unresolved issues from the past.
Sorogoyen co-wrote the screenplay with his frequent collaborator Isabel Peña, which received rave reviews at the Cannes Film Festival. Critics especially praised the direction and Bardem’s performance. Following the strong reception, the distributor is expected to campaign for Bardem for Best Actor.
Javier Bardem enters the Best Actor conversation
The 57-year-old is one of the prominent actors. He has received four Academy Award nominations in his career, winning Best Supporting Actor for his role as Anton Chigurh in 2007’s No Country for Old Men. That performance made him the first Spanish actor to win an Oscar.
Javier Bardem’s other notable movie roles include Before Night Falls, The Sea Inside, Biutiful, F1, Skyfall, and Dune.
If Kino Lorber moves forward with a campaign, Bardem will be entering one of the most competitive Best Actor races in recent memory. The category is considered especially deep this year, with names like Matt Damon, Tom Cruise, John Malkovich, Robert Pattinson, and Sebastian Stan.
Javier Bardem’s positive reception at Cannes gives The Beloved a strong starting point ahead of the awards season. With Kino Lorbes planning a U.S. qualifying run, Bardem’s latest performance now has a clear path into the Best Actor awards conversation.
