'The Black Ball', the film directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, known as Los Javis, has become one of the great successes of Spanish cinema in 2026. Since its premiere on September 25, the feature film has surpassed four million viewers and has approached 30 million euros in revenue. In addition, it has managed to remain the most-watched film in Spain for four consecutive weekends, ahead of other releases on the billboard.
The commercial success coincides with its path to the 2027 Academy Awards. The Film Academy has selected the film to represent Spain in the category of Best International Feature Film. The film, which tells three interconnected stories through different eras and addresses themes such as identity, memory, and repression, has also aroused the interest of international audiences. Its good reception has reinforced its presence in theaters and has increased doubts about how long it will remain available on the billboard.
When will 'The Black Ball' be removed from cinemas?
Initially, 'The Black Ball' was expected to have a limited run in theaters before reaching streaming platforms. However, its box office success has changed expectations and, for now, there is no specific date announced for the film's withdrawal from Spanish cinemas. Its permanence will depend on the evolution of its revenue and the decisions of the theaters and the distributor.
The film will be exclusively available on Movistar Plus+ in Spain once its run in cinemas ends, although the platform has not yet announced the release date. Therefore, those who want to see it on the big screen will have to check the listings of their city's cinemas, as withdrawal dates may vary from one theater to another.
The success of 'The Black Ball' was also noticeable during the last Cinema Party, held from October 19 to 22, with tickets at 3.50 euros. The film was one of the main protagonists of this edition, which registered more than 1.5 million viewers, its best result since 2019.
Why will 'The Black Ball' represent Spain at the Oscars?
The film by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi has been chosen to represent Spain in the category of Best International Feature Film at the 2027 Academy Awards. The decision represents a new boost for the feature film, which has managed to attract audiences to theaters and position itself among the most outstanding Spanish titles of the year.
The story is based on an unfinished work by Federico García Lorca and connects three different eras through the lives of several characters. The film addresses issues such as identity, sexuality, memory, and repression, with a narrative that relates the past to the present. Its selection for the Oscars increases attention on the film, although it will still have to overcome the Hollywood Academy's selection process to secure a nomination.
