- The black ball, by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, premiered in theaters on September 25 after winning the Best Direction award at Cannes 2026.
- The Academy of Cinema has chosen it to represent Spain at the Oscars 2027.
- On the same day, Netflix added ‘Veneno’, the series by Los Javis about Cristina Ortiz, to its catalog.
The black ball, the second film by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, arrived in Spanish theaters on September 25 with a very striking run. It won Best Direction at Cannes and the Academy of Cinema has chosen it to compete for Spain at the Oscars 2027. Additionally, Netflix has taken advantage of the premiere to bring back ‘Veneno’.
What is The black ball about?
The black ball tells the story of three homosexual men in three different eras: 1932, 1937, and 2017. The film is partly based on a play by Alberto Conejero and an unfinished text by Federico García Lorca, thus linking Spanish LGTBI memory with the present.
The cast includes Guitarricadelafuente, Miguel Bernardeau, Carlos González, Milo Quifes, and Lola Dueñas, with special appearances by Penélope Cruz and Glenn Close. It is produced by Jorge Pezzi (Suma Content) and María Rubín (Movistar+), and Netflix handles international distribution.
Why will it represent Spain at the Oscars 2027?
The Academy of Cinema announced on September 16 that The black ball will be the Spanish candidate for the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. The chosen one came from a shortlist that also included ‘Los domingos’, by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, and ‘El ser querido’, by Rodrigo Sorogoyen. The announcement was made by Alejandro Amenábar and Fernando Méndez-Leite, along with notary Eva Fernández Medina.
The directors celebrated it this way: “Representing our country is a dream”. The challenge is great, because Spain hasn’t won this Oscar since 2005, with ‘Mar adentro’, by Amenábar.
The calendar towards Hollywood
These are the key dates: the shortlist will be known on December 15, 2026, the official nominations on January 21, 2027, and the ceremony will be held in Los Angeles on March 14, 2027.
‘Veneno’ returns with Netflix
Since September 25, ‘Veneno’ has been available on Netflix thanks to an agreement between Atresmedia and Netflix. The series premiered six years ago and tells the life of Cristina Ortiz, La Veneno. It is portrayed in different stages by Isabel Torres, Daniela Santiago, and Jedet.
The cast also includes Lola Rodríguez, Lola Dueñas, Goya Toledo, Ester Expósito, and Paca La Piraña. The series is inspired by the memoirs written by Valeria Vegas, ¡Digo! Ni puta ni santa. Thus, Netflix brings together at the same time the two great queer stories of Los Javis, which now reach new audiences around the world.
Frequently asked questions
When did The black ball premiere?
On September 25, 2026, in Spanish theaters.
Who directs The black ball?
Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, known as Los Javis.
What is the movie based on?
Partly, on a work by Alberto Conejero and an unfinished text by Federico García Lorca.
Where can ‘Veneno’ be watched?
On Netflix since September 25, 2026.
