Isaki Lacuesta & Pol Rodríguez Win Best Director at Septimius Awards 2025 for Saturn Returns

The prestigious Septimius Awards ceremony, held on September 4, 2025, at the magnificent Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, celebrated a momentous victory in international cinema. Spanish filmmakers Isaki Lacuesta and Pol Rodríguez were honored with the coveted Best Director award for their critically acclaimed film, Saturn Returns. This recognition further solidified the film's reputation as a groundbreaking and captivating work of art on the global stage, following its success at major festivals and national awards.

The historic Tuschinski Theater provided a suitably opulent backdrop for the international event, which annually recognizes excellence and diversity across film, television, and music. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the award for Best Director, one of the evening's most significant honors, was announced. The win for Lacuesta and Rodríguez was a testament to their innovative and collaborative vision in bringing the tumultuous, music-infused drama to life.

Saturn Returns, known in Spain by its original title, Segundo Premio, delves into the mythic and turbulent creation of a landmark album by an iconic indie rock band in the 1990s. The film transcends the conventional biopic format, blending dreamlike cinematography, unconventional narrative structure, and compelling performances to explore themes of creativity, love, addiction, and the intense pressure of artistic collaboration. The directors’ ability to capture the phantasmagorical energy and cultural significance of the music scene in Granada was repeatedly praised by critics, leading to its powerful showing at the Septimius Awards.

Since its premiere, the film has garnered significant international attention, winning multiple awards including top prizes at the Málaga Film Festival and sweeping several categories at the Gaudí and Goya Awards in early 2025. The triumph at the Septimius Awards, an event known for its global outlook and commitment to celebrating diverse, independent talent, marks a new pinnacle in the film's remarkable journey. The international jury clearly responded to the directors' bold and inventive approach, which dared to look beyond factual accounts to create a deeply emotional and atmospheric portrait of a generation-defining moment in music history.

As the winners were announced, the directors were unable to attend the event personally in Amsterdam. In their stead, three key members of the Saturn Returns family—Stéphanie Magnin, Edu Rejon, and Clara Sáenz—stepped onto the Tuschinski stage to accept the Best Director accolade.

Stéphanie Magnin, who delivered a magnetic performance as the band's bassist, May, throughout the film, represented the cast's incredible contribution to the project. Her presence highlighted the powerful synthesis between the directorial vision and the actors' commitment to embodying the complex, often chaotic world of the band.

Edu Rejon, listed in production documents among the talented cast, also played a vital role in representing the creative core of the team. His acceptance, alongside his colleagues, underscored the collective nature of the filmmaking process, acknowledging the myriad contributions that transform a directorial concept into a cinematic reality.

Clara Sáenz, a prominent figure in the film’s team, rounded out the trio accepting the award. While their specific roles within the larger production landscape are often behind-the-scenes, their presence ensured that the full creative infrastructure that supported the directors' vision was acknowledged. The collaborative spirit, which is a central theme within the film itself, was mirrored in the way the award was received.

Magnin, Rejon, and Sáenz’s acceptance was a powerful moment that celebrated the entire Saturn Returns collective. The three expressed deep gratitude for the recognition from the Septimius Awards jury and conveyed the directors’ immense pride in receiving such a distinguished honor. They spoke highly of Lacuesta and Rodríguez's leadership and artistry, acknowledging the singular and passionate energy they brought to the set. Their words highlighted the emotional journey of making the film, a creative endeavor that was clearly as intense and rewarding as the story it told.

The Best Director win for Isaki Lacuesta and Pol Rodríguez at the Septimius Awards 2025 in Amsterdam serves as a powerful validation of their distinctive voices in global cinema. Saturn Returns is now firmly established as a contemporary masterpiece, and the award cements the co-directors' status as two of the most inventive and essential filmmakers working today.