As awards season heats up, Netflix is betting big on its Spanish war drama La Bola Negra to capture Oscar gold. The film, directed by the duo Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, has already made a splash with critics and audiences alike, and now it's making history at the box office.
According to recent figures, La Bola Negra has grossed an impressive €36.7 million ($41.0 million) at the domestic box office in Spain, making it the third highest-grossing Spanish film of all time in that market. Only Ocho Apellidos Vascos and Lo Imposible have earned more. This milestone is particularly notable for a Netflix release, as the streamer rarely shares box office numbers, but the film's success has prompted an exception.
The film's critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, earning it a "certified fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Victoria Luxford of Collider praised it as a "clear frontrunner for many categories at the Oscars," adding that "the hype surrounding this imperfect but memorable saga is more than justified." With such strong word of mouth, La Bola Negra is solidifying its position as a top contender for Best Picture, trailing only Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey in many predictions.
The ensemble cast includes Penélope Cruz, Glenn Close, Milo Quifes, Álvaro Lafuente Calvo, and Miguel Bernardeau. Cruz, in particular, is having a standout awards season. Not only is she part of La Bola Negra's success, but she also stars in Olivia Wilde's The Invite, a remake of the Spanish-language film The People Upstairs. That film has also garnered critical acclaim and could earn nominations for writing and acting, potentially giving Cruz a double shot at Oscar glory.
Netflix's push for Academy recognition follows its recent wins for Frankenstein in 2025, which took home three Oscars for production design, costume design, and makeup and hairstyling. With La Bola Negra, the streamer is aiming even higher, hoping to land its first Best Picture win. The film's box office performance in Spain is a strong indicator of its commercial appeal, and it could help sway voters who value audience support.
As the Oscars race continues, La Bola Negra is a film to watch. Its combination of critical acclaim, box office success, and star power makes it a formidable contender. For more on the film's journey, stay tuned to Collider for updates. In the meantime, fans of Netflix's recent hits like Mosquito Bowl's box office milestone will find plenty to appreciate in this Spanish epic.
With the Oscars just around the corner, all eyes are on La Bola Negra to see if it can translate its domestic triumph into international awards success. The film's unique blend of war drama and subversive storytelling has resonated with audiences, and its box office record is a testament to its impact. Whether it will take home the top prize remains to be seen, but it's certainly a frontrunner in the conversation.
