The King and Queen Preside Over the Presentation of Gold Medals for Merit in the Fine Arts

Published on January 19, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Official ceremony at the National Music Auditorium in Madrid where the King and Queen of Spain present the Gold Medals for Merit in the Fine Arts to the awardees.

The King and Queen preside over the awarding of the Gold Medals for Merit in the Fine Arts

On Tuesday, January 20, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia led the ceremony to award the Gold Medals for Merit in the Fine Arts for the year 2024. The Ministry of Culture thus recognizes those who excel in the country's cultural sphere 🏅.

Recognition for a wide variety of artists

The ministerial body selected a total of 38 personalities and institutions to receive this distinction. The list covers a very diverse spectrum of the Spanish artistic landscape, demonstrating that cultural merit is not limited to a single genre or discipline.

Highlights among the awardees:
  • Carmen Machi, actress with a long career in theater, film, and television.
  • The musical duo Camela, recognized for fusing styles and maintaining their popular success for over thirty years.
  • Other personalities and institutions from the performing arts, music, visual arts, and cultural management.
Merit in the fine arts knows no genres, from high culture to mass phenomena.

A ceremony in the cultural heart of Madrid

The official event to present the medals was held at the National Music Auditorium, located in Madrid. This annual event underscores the value that the State places on those who work to enrich the national cultural heritage.

Characteristics of the distinction:
  • It is awarded by Spain's Ministry of Culture.
  • It rewards contributions to enriching the country's cultural heritage.
  • The list of awardees usually generates public debate due to its selection.

A recognition that unites tradition and modernity

This year, the selection of awardees has managed to balance different artistic expressions. Including everyone from established references to icons of popular culture reflects a broad and inclusive vision of artistic merit. The ceremony, with the King and Queen at the forefront, symbolizes the institutional importance of supporting and highlighting work in the Spanish cultural sector 🎭.