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La Nieve Enters Oscar Race as Netflix Opens La Bola Negra in Theaters

The Spanish‑language song co‑written by Raúl Refree and performed by Guitarricadelafuente joins the Best Original Song Oscar shortlist while the film begins its U.S. theatrical run on Oct. 16 before streaming on Dec. 2.

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La Nieve Oscar shortlist: La Nieve Enters Oscar Race as Netflix Opens La Bola Negra in Theaters
La Nieve's Oscar bid heats up as La Bola Negra hits U.S. theaters on Oct. 16. Photo by hollywoodreporter.com
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Netflix’s La Bola Negra lands in U.S. theatres on Oct. 16, giving movie‑goers a fresh option for a weekend outing.

Oscar‑Bound Song “La Nieve”

“La Nieve”, which translates to “The Snow”, is a Spanish‑language tune that plays over a pivotal snow‑filled scene late in the film. The track, co‑written with Raúl Refree, is now being submitted for Best Original Song Oscar consideration, adding another contender to a race that already includes names like Taylor Swift and Travis Scott. The song’s inclusion follows the film’s Cannes breakout, a moment that saw Netflix acquire the title for an awards‑run strategy.

The song is performed by Álvaro Lafuente Calvo, better known as Guitarricadelafuente, a 28‑year‑old multi‑platinum recording artist and Latin Grammy nominee. His involvement gives the film a musical edge that resonates with audiences seeking both drama and melody, and the Spanish‑language lyric adds cultural depth to the Oscar‑season lineup.

A Dual Debut for Guitarricadelafuente

Beyond the soundtrack, Guitarricadelafuente makes his acting debut as Sebastián, a Nationalist soldier tasked with guarding a Republican soldier played by Miguel Bernardeau. The actor is currently on tour promoting his latest album, Spanish Leather, and recently performed his song “BABIECA!” on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, showcasing his growing profile in both music and screen.

If nominated, he would become only the fifth person to earn acting and songwriting Oscar nominations for the same film, joining Mary J. Blige (2018), Lady Gaga (2019), Cynthia Erivo (2020) and Leslie Odom Jr (2021). The film’s theatrical window lasts 47 days, the longest for any Netflix release, surpassing the 31‑day run of Marriage Story in 2019 and underscoring Netflix’s confidence in the title’s draw.

La Bola Negra weaves three generations of Spaniards together through the unfinished play of Federico García Lorca, where snow often symbolizes grief and loss. By pairing a compelling story with a standout song and a limited‑time theatrical run, the film offers a culturally rich and emotionally resonant choice for weekend cinema plans.

Frequently asked questions

When does Netflix's La Bola Negra open in U.S. theatres?

The film opens in U.S. theatres on October 16, providing a fresh weekend option before streaming on Netflix on December 2.

Which song by Guitarricadelafuente is on the Oscar Best Original Song shortlist?

The Spanish‑language track “La Nieve” performed by Guitarricadelafuente has been submitted for the Best Original Song Oscar shortlist.

How long is the theatrical window for La Bola Negra?

La Bola Negra enjoys a 47‑day theatrical window, the longest ever for a Netflix release, surpassing the 31‑day run of Marriage Story in 2019.

Who co‑wrote the Oscar‑bound song La Nieve?

The song “La Nieve” was co‑written by Spanish producer Raúl Refree alongside Guitarricadelafuente.

Has anyone ever been nominated for both acting and songwriting Oscars for the same film?

If nominated, Guitarricadelafuente would become the fifth person to receive acting and songwriting Oscar nominations for the same film, joining Mary J. Blige, Lady Gaga, Cynthia Erivo and Leslie Odom Jr.

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Written by

Jovilyn Carman

Reporting from Abu Dhabi — independent, on the ground, and built on local sources.