The Academia de Artes y Ciencias Cinematográficas (Academy of Film Arts and Sciences) was founded in 1986 as an independent institution with the stated aims of promoting the film art and industry in Spain, developing networks among professionals, supporting advanced study of film, gathering statistical information, and engaging in dialogue with the Government. The idea came of an informal gathering organized by producer Emiliano Piedra at a well-known Madrid restaurant with representatives from the industry including Charo López, José Sacristán, José Nieto, Carlos Suárez, Carlos Saura, and Luis G. Berlanga. In the course of a meal, ideas were floated to give the Spanish film industry a sense of direction, and proposals built toward the creation of an independent institution that would attempt some balance between different voices and factions within organized professional bodies and unions. The result followed closely the Hollywood Academy of Film Arts and Sciences, and has been functioning since 1986.
At present, the post of President of the Academy is held for three years, which can be renewed, and all members vote for the position among a series of candidates. Recent presidents include actors Mercedes Sampietro, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, and Marisa Paredes, and directors José Luis Borau and Gerardo Herrero. The Academia is made up of film professionals who affiliate voluntarily, and members are grouped by profession. At the time of writing, 14 areas were represented: producers, directors, actors, scriptwriters, art directors, cinematographers, editors, film composers, animation, sound, costume design, production directors, special effects, and make-up. Each profession has two representatives in the General Board. The Academia also has an honorary president. Since 1987, the post has been held by Luis G. Berlanga.
The Academia is particularly active in the dissemination of reports and discussions on the film industry. Between 1991 and 2004, the Academia published the journal Academia (supplemented since 1997 with Cuadernos de la Academia, a series of monographs on specific topics) and supported film-related statistical reports. Its most visible task is the organization of the Annual Goya Awards Ceremony, for distinguished achievements in various areas of national and international cinema. The Academia also awards the Gold Medal for Merit in Film Art, which every year goes to a respected personality for the whole of their career in the film industry. Recipients include Ana Belén, Calos Saura, Fernando Rey, and Alfredo Matas.
Historical Dictionary of Spanish Cinema by Alberto Mira