IN CONVERSATION WITH DANIEL IBÁÑEZ

interview by JANA LETONJA

Daniel Ibáñez is one of the most exciting rising talents in Spanish cinema and television. Over the past few years, he has collaborated with some of Spain’s most acclaimed filmmakers, including Fernando León de Aranoa, Daniel Monzón, Isaki Lacuesta, and Paco Cabezas. His breakout performance in the acclaimed film Segundo Premio earned him a nomination for Best New Actor at the 2025 Goya Awards, while the film itself received eleven nominations. With several major premieres arriving this year, including Pioneras: Solo Querían Jugar and La Bola Negra, Daniel continues to establish himself as one of the standout actors of his generation.

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boxers DOLCE & GABBANA

Looking back at your journey so far, what first inspired you to pursue acting professionally? 

I don't think epiphanies usually stem from a sudden flash on the road to Damascus. Instead, they are sometimes the result of a combination of elements. In my case, it was the pleasure I found in acting, the joy of discovering other thoughts and emotions, and the good fortune of gradually being able to dedicate myself to this passion. In the beginning, when you have to make that seemingly unbreakable choice between studying one career or another, I was, and still am, fascinated by medicine. I share a deep love for that other discipline.

You’ve worked with directors like Fernando León de Aranoa, Daniel Monzón, and Isaki Lacuesta. What have you learned from collaborating with such different filmmakers? 

There is something beautiful about enjoying such diverse artists because, even though there are huge differences in how they tell stories and what each one considers important, deep down you realise it is like knowing different languages. They are all meant for communication. I believe that common core is deeply uplifting, discovering that we are all trying to speak the same tongue

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Your performance in Segundo Premio earned you a Goya nomination for Best New Actor. How did it feel to receive that recognition? 

You don't fully believe it until it happens. In fact, I still can't see it as something real. You try to be sceptical before it takes place, but afterwards, you are overwhelmed by a tremendous thrill. I remember it as something beautiful, because it was another opportunity, perhaps the best one, to meet people you enjoy being around so much.

How do you usually prepare for emotionally intense or psychologically complex characters? 

I usually work with Mónica Portillo, an exceptional coach and a sensational actress, in addition to trying to understand everything that surrounds the characters, the context. And depending on the needs, I prepare one way or another. To bring up medicine again, operating on a knee is not the same as operating on an elbow, they must be approached in very different ways, and I believe that systematising the process ends up killing creativity.

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What has been the most challenging role of your career so far, and why? 

One of the most complex has been Caracas, a character I play in the TV series La Nena. I had to gain muscle mass and become more intimidating. Psychologically, my character went on a journey from the first season to this third one. His armour grows massive, and he becomes a fanatic. He is a completely broken, shattered character. Another character I would highlight is The Singer in the film Segundo Premio (Saturn Return). In this case, the accent, along with an introverted personality and having to sing and play, made it a true challenge.

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Spanish cinema is receiving increasing international attention. How do you see the industry evolving right now? 

I am not one to be overly alarmist. I believe we need to know the place AI should occupy in our society and be critical of what is unanimously proclaimed as “undeniable progress.” At the same time, I am very proud and full of hope to see such talented creators emerging from my homeland. There have always been talented people, but it seems that lately they have gained the most recognition in other countries, and that is something to celebrate.

This year you’re starring in Pioneras: Solo Querían Jugar. What can audiences expect from the film? 

It is a very brave film. Marta Díaz de Lope Díaz is a director with an overwhelming sensitivity and a kindness that makes you want to follow her wherever she goes. What people are going to see is a story of friendship, love, and profound generosity among a group of girls who, during the late Francoist period (1970), manage to play soccer thanks to Javier Poga, an intrepid sports promoter whom I am lucky enough to portray. It is very luminous. I think audiences will leave with their souls uplifted.

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You are also part of La Bola Negra by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi. What was it like working with them? 

They are incredibly talented, their ideas are very clear, and they allow themselves to play. Something that, unfortunately, can be difficult due to the tight shooting schedules of most productions. Furthermore, they show a genuine respect for actors, which I truly appreciate, and that translates into a ritual once you arrive on set.

How do you choose your projects at this stage of your career? 

I try to read scripts thoroughly, and once I feel captivated, I become interested in learning what motivated the film and getting to know the person who is going to direct it.

Outside of acting, what helps you stay creative and grounded?

I love music, and I also really enjoy reading and sports. And, of course, talking at length with the people I love. That is fundamental. I need that sense of community, and it terrifies me to think it could be destroyed at some point.

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You have several projects still under wraps. Without revealing too much, what excites you most about the next chapter of your career? 

I am currently filming a magnificent film that I am starring in, produced by Little Spain and Elastica Films. It has me completely immersed, and I believe it is going to be very powerful, as there is a great team behind it. And it makes me very happy to announce that I have just launched a theatre company called Entusiastas. We have been working for a few months on an exciting theatre project, The Mozart Family, Maria Anna Mozart's Notebook. The play is written by the playwright and stage director Gabriel Fuentes, with musical direction by Daniel Molina. The cast is led by actress Eva Rubio and myself, and we’ll know the release date soon.

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TEAM CREDITS:

talent DANIEL IBÁÑEZ
photographer ANDRÉS GARCÍA LUJÁN
stylist JUAN LUIS ASCANIO
groomer ANTONIO ROMERO
photography assistant ANDREA DE LA PUENTE
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA