The Ministry of Culture has awarded Carmen Machi the National Cinematography Award 2026, endowed with 30,000 euros. The jury recognizes her as one of the most important comedy actresses in the history of Spanish cinema.
The announcement was made on June 4, 2026, while the actress was working on the second season of the series Celeste. The jury's verdict highlights her career in film, theater and television, and notes that she has participated in more than a hundred productions. Machi has stated that the news seems outrageous to her and that she never works with the aim of receiving awards. She has expressed emotion upon seeing the list of predecessors such as Eduard Fernández, María Zamora, Carla Simón, Penélope Cruz and José Sacristán. The Madrid-born actress, born in 1963, is known for roles in series such as Siete vidas and Aída, and films such as Ocho apellidos vascos. She will receive the award in San Sebastián in September.