Filipino director Lav Diaz’s “Magellan” has won the Golden Spike, the highest honor at the 70th Valladolid International Film Festival (SEMINCI) in Spain. The film shared the award with “The Mastermind” by American filmmaker Kelly Reichardt.
The Golden Spike is the festival’s top award for best feature-length film. In a statement, the SEMINCI jury praised “Magellan” for “allowing us to immerse ourselves in the past from the present, re-reading colonial history through a complex and critical lens.”
The jury also commended the film for its “extraordinary aesthetic, photographic and temporal vision,” citing its narrative ambition and ability to blend historical reflection with cinematic artistry.
Diaz is one of the Philippines’ most acclaimed filmmakers. His previous works include “Norte,” “The End of History,” “Ang Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis,” and “Batang West Side.”
Running two hours and 45 minutes, “Magellan” continues Diaz’s exploration of history, identity, and colonialism. The film has also been selected as the Philippines’ official entry to the 2026 Academy Awards under the Best International Feature Film category.
