Rodrigo Sorogoyen

Rodrigo Sorogoyen del Amo was born on 16 September 1981 in Madrid, Spain, into a family with deep cinematic roots; his grandfather was the noted filmmaker Antonio del Amo. Known affectionately among friends as Ruy, he developed an early fascination with film after watching Léon: The Professional, a moment that sparked his lifelong passion for storytelling. After completing a degree in History at the Complutense University of Madrid, he pursued formal training at the Escuela de Cinematografía y del Audiovisual de la Comunidad de Madrid (ECAM) in 2004, where he honed his craft and began collaborating with peers. His first foray into professional filmmaking came in 2008 with the co‑directed sketch comedy 8 Dates with Peris Romano, marking the start of a prolific career that would see him become one of Spain’s most celebrated directors. In the years that followed, Sorogoyen’s distinct voice emerged through a blend of psychological intensity and social criticism, traits evident in his breakthrough feature Stockholm (2013), which earned him a Goya nomination for Best New Director. His subsequent works—May God Save Us (2016), The Realm (2018), and the Oscar‑nominated short Mother (2019)—showcase his deft ability to merge tight narrative structures with compelling character studies, often in partnership with screenwriter Isabel Peña. The Realm secured him dual Goya Awards for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, cementing his reputation for gritty, thought‑provoking cinema. In 2022, The Beasts swept the 37th Goya Awards, collecting nine trophies including Best Film, and garnered the César Award for Best Foreign Film, underscoring his impact on both Spanish and international stages. Beyond film, he expanded into television with the miniseries Riot Police (2020) and The New Years (2024), demonstrating versatility across formats. His invitation to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in July 2019 reflects his growing influence worldwide, while his continued collaboration with Peña promises further innovative storytelling.