Sitges announces Méliès d’Argent winners 2026
The 59th edition of the SITGES – International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia took place from 8 to 18 October 2026, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences for a programme spanning contemporary fantastic cinema, horror and other genre productions. As one of the leading international festivals dedicated to fantastic film, Sitges once again hosted the Méliès d’argent competitions, recognising outstanding European feature films and short films.
And the winner is…
Méliès d’Argent Award Winner – Feature Film @ Sitges 2026
The winner of the Méliès d’Argent Award for Best European Fantastic Genre Feature Film at Sitges is “The Spiral (L’estranea)” directed by Paolo Strippoli (Italia, 2026).
In the midst of a storm, Anna arrives unexpectedly at her daughter Alice’s university apartment to confess a secret that has haunted their family for years. Following an accident, Anna made a pact with a mysterious woman to save Alice’s leg. Now, the truth can no longer remain hidden, and the agreement comes back to claim its price.
A horror thriller exploring family secrets and the consequences of impossible bargains, The Spiral was presented at Sitges after screenings at the Venice and Toronto film festivals.
Méliès d’Argent Award Winner – Short Film @ Sitges 2026
The Méliès d’argent for Best European Fantastic Genre Short Film went to El moribundo, directed by Laura Guerricaechevarría (Spain, 2026).
As time stretches while they wait for Death, two farmers go to extraordinary lengths to organise a wake for which they still have no corpse. This dark comedy transposes a story by Guy de Maupassant to the setting of rural Spain in the 1940s, blending literary inspiration with an absurd and macabre premise.
The winners of the Méliès d’argent competitions will qualify for the Méliès d’or, the annual award celebrating European fantastic cinema.
Don’t forget to watch the MELIES D’ARGENT Special Programs on our Méliès Fantastic Hub!