“An affecting ode to the female spirit, the maternal instinct, and the craving for melodrama—a soulful mix of comedy and tragedy so life-affirming it leaves you hankering for your mother’s embrace.” - Ed Gonzalez, Slant
“Starting at that place in Almodóvar's great big heart where womanhood, artifice, Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote and "All About Eve" collide, it weaves life and art into a rich tapestry of love, loss and compassion.” - Janet Maslin, The New York Times
Almodóvar’s beloved masterpiece follows Manuela (Cecilia Roth), a nurse and mother whose life is shattered when her only child is killed in a car accident. She becomes caregiver to a colorful family: a pregnant nun (Penélope Cruz), a transvestite prostitute (Antonia San Juan), and two troubled actresses (Marisa Paredes and Candela Peña). With riveting performances, unforgettable characters, and surprising twists, this poignant melodrama is a universal tale of love, survival, and redemption told with Almodovar’s signature absurdist humor.
Awards & Nominations
Winner - Best Foreign Language Film, Academy Awards
Winner - Best Film Not in the English Language, BAFTA Awards
Winner - David Lean Award for Direction, BAFTA Awards
Winner - Best Director, Cannes
Winner - Prize of the Ecumenical Jury, Cannes
Winner - Best Film, Best Lead Actress (Cecilia Roth), Best Original Score
20th Century Queers | July 4–30, 2026
Contemporary queer cinema enjoys more visibility and mainstream success than ever before, but many of its roots lie in avant-garde and underground filmmaking. The films in this series trace that history, showcasing queer artists, in front of and behind the camera, who disrupted traditional cinematic form to suit their purposes, whether creating coded stories, exploring stylistic pleasures, or grossing out the normies.
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu