Anna Castillo
Anna Castillo Ferré (born 9 October 1993) is a Spanish actress known for her versatile performances in film and television, spanning drama, comedy, and thriller genres. She achieved breakout success with her lead role as Alma, a determined young woman fighting to reclaim her family's olive tree, in Icíar Bollaín's 2016 drama The Olive Tree, a performance that earned her the Goya Award for Best New Actress from the Spanish Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences.[1][2][3] Born in Barcelona, Spain, Castillo began her artistic training at the age of seven in specialized schools across Barcelona and Madrid, fostering an early interest in performance.[1] She pursued formal education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 2011, while also exploring music as a member of the band sp3 from 2005 to 2011. Her professional acting debut came on television, where she portrayed the character Dorita in the long-running soap opera Amar en tiempos revueltos from 2013 to 2015, appearing in 215 episodes and gaining initial exposure in Spanish media.[1][4] Castillo's career has since flourished with a diverse array of roles, including the rebellious teenager Susana in the musical comedy Holy Camp! (2017), adapted from the hit stage production La Llamada, and the lead in the Netflix survival thriller Nowhere (2023), where she plays a pregnant woman fleeing war by hiding in a shipping container. Her television work includes the satirical series Arde Madrid (2018), earning her a nomination for Best Actress in a Series or Miniseries at the 2019 Platino Awards. She has garnered further acclaim with nominations for Best Actress at the Goya Awards and Feroz Awards, including for her role in the drama Wild Flowers (2022), and continued success with leading roles in Escape (2024) and Su majestad (2025).[5][4][6][7][8][9]Early life and education
Childhood and family
Anna Castillo was born on October 9, 1993, in Barcelona, Spain, into a family with no ties to the entertainment industry.[10][11] Her father worked as a commercial professional, while her mother was a professor of economics, providing a stable, middle-class upbringing in the Catalan capital.[11] Growing up in Catalonia, Castillo developed an early fascination with performing arts, often immersing herself in role-playing different characters as a child.[12] By the age of nine, she explicitly told her parents of her aspiration to become an actress, inspired particularly by Julia Roberts' performances, reflecting a self-described vocational passion that emerged in her formative years.[12] Her parents supported this interest by encouraging her initial steps into theater, though no public details highlight siblings or extended family influences on her early development. She has a sister who pursued music independently, with no noted influence on her acting career.[13] This environment in Barcelona fostered her innate drive toward the arts before any formal training began at age seven.[10]Acting training and early influences
Castillo began her artistic training at the age of seven, enrolling in various specialized acting schools in Barcelona and Madrid, where she developed foundational skills in performance and drama.[10][1] Coming from a family with no background in the entertainment industry, her early passion for acting was self-driven, fueled by an obsession with films and characters that captured her imagination during childhood.[13] At age 13, she joined the youth music group Sp3, participating from 2005 to 2011 and gaining initial public exposure through musical performances that blended singing, dancing, and stage presence.[10][14] This period marked a key phase in her artistic growth, as the group's activities provided informal training in collaborative performance and audience engagement. Soon after, at 15, she took on the role of "Anna" in the Televisió de Catalunya children's series Club Super3, an early on-screen appearance that further honed her abilities in improvisation and character portrayal while introducing her to television production.[14][13] As a teenager, Castillo continued her drama studies, engaging in local theater work that allowed her to apply classroom techniques in practical settings and build confidence through ensemble productions. In 2011, she completed her Bachillerato (high school diploma) specializing in performing arts at the Institut Sant Joan Bosco-Horta, which solidified her formal education and prepared her for professional opportunities. These experiences collectively shaped her versatile approach to acting, emphasizing emotional depth and adaptability from an early age.[13]Career
Television debut and early roles
Anna Castillo made her television debut in 2009 with the TV movie El enigma Giacomo, directed by Joan Marimón and broadcast on TV3, where she portrayed the character Maiana, a teenage girl involved in an adventurous quest.[15] This role marked her entry into professional acting following years of training in Barcelona and Madrid, providing an initial platform to apply her skills in a narrative blending historical and fantastical elements.[14] Building on this, Castillo appeared as a regular in the Catalan children's television program Club Super 3 from 2009 to 2014, playing the character Anna in 39 episodes, which helped establish her presence in youth-oriented broadcasting and honed her on-camera charisma.[16] She followed this with a supporting role as Sara in the Antena 3 comedy-drama series Doctor Mateo during its fifth season in 2011, appearing in 12 episodes as a villager in the quirky rural setting of San Martín del Sella.[17] These early appearances served as stepping stones, allowing her to gain practical experience in ensemble dynamics and scripted dialogue delivery. Her breakthrough in television came with the recurring role of Adoración "Dorita" Pastor in the daily soap opera Amar es para siempre on Antena 3, from 2013 to 2015, where she featured in 215 episodes as a lively, working-class young woman navigating post-war Madrid.[18] The extended run of the series, a spin-off of Amar en tiempos revueltos, offered Castillo steady exposure to a wide audience and intensive involvement in long-form storytelling, which she later described as a formative "school" that paired her with seasoned actors and deepened her understanding of character development over serialized arcs.[19] This period solidified her transition from novice to established television performer by the mid-2010s.Film breakthrough and major projects
Anna Castillo's breakthrough in film came with her lead role as Alma in The Olive Tree (2016), directed by Icíar Bollaín.[20] In this drama, scripted by Paul Laverty, Castillo portrayed a determined young woman from a struggling rural family in Spain who embarks on a journey to Germany to recover a century-old olive tree sold by her family, symbolizing her efforts to restore emotional bonds fractured by economic hardship and globalization. The production, a collaboration between Bollaín and Laverty—their second after Even the Rain (2010)—highlighted themes of environmental loss and familial resilience, drawing from real Spanish olive farming communities affected by the 2008 financial crisis.[20] Castillo's performance earned her the Goya Award for Best New Actress at the 31st Goya Awards in 2017, marking a pivotal moment that elevated her from television supporting roles to a recognized talent in Spanish cinema.[21] Building on this success, Castillo diversified her portfolio with varied lead and supporting roles that showcased her range across genres and themes. In the musical comedy Holy Camp! (2017), directed by Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo, she played Susana, a rebellious teenager navigating faith, sexuality, and self-discovery during a summer at a Catholic retreat, contributing to the film's exploration of youth rebellion against institutional conformity.[22] That same year, in the historical adventure Gold (2017), helmed by Agustín Díaz Yanes, she embodied La Parda, a resilient indigenous woman entangled in the 16th-century Spanish conquest of El Dorado, adding depth to narratives of colonial ambition and cultural clash.[23] By 2018, in Journey to a Mother's Room, directed by Celia Rico Clavellino, Castillo starred as Leonor, a young woman confronting independence and emotional detachment from her overbearing mother (played by Lola Dueñas), delving into intimate themes of generational bonds and personal autonomy in a minimalist domestic drama.[24] These projects solidified Castillo's rise as a prominent figure in Spanish cinema during the late 2010s, with her collaborations—particularly with Bollaín—emphasizing strong female protagonists in socially conscious stories. Her ability to portray characters from rural activists to historical survivors and introspective daughters underscored a thematic focus on identity, resilience, and societal pressures, earning critical acclaim for bringing emotional authenticity to diverse narratives.[25] This period transitioned her from ensemble television work to leading film roles, enhancing her visibility on the international festival circuit.[2]Theater performances
Anna Castillo began her professional theater career during her formative years in Barcelona, where she started artistic training at the age of seven in specialized schools, culminating in a Bachillerato de Artes Escénicas.[26] Her debut came in 2010 at age 16, portraying Alma in the musical A, directed by Nacho Cano, which premiered at the Teatro Calderón in Madrid before transferring to the Teatre Apolo in Barcelona.[26] This early exposure to large-scale productions, involving song and dance, laid the groundwork for her stage presence amid her ongoing education.[10] Castillo's breakthrough arrived with the musical La Llamada, created by Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo, where she originated the role of Susana from 2013 to 2016 at Madrid's Teatro Lara.[27] The production, a rock musical exploring faith and friendship, ran for over 1,000 performances across a decade in the venue, becoming a cultural phenomenon that sold out weekly and earned multiple awards, including thirteen BroadwayWorld Spain honors.[28] Her energetic performance in this demanding ensemble role, requiring live vocals and improvisation, marked her as a rising talent and directly propelled her into national recognition.[29] Following this success, Castillo starred in the musical revue Drac Pack (2016–2017), a glamorous homage to the 1950s Rat Pack era, alongside Najwa Nimri, Alba Flores, and Kimberley Tell, at the Teatro de la Luz Philips Gran Vía in Madrid.[30] Directed by Fernando Soto, the show blended jazz standards with narrative elements of ambition and Hollywood allure, showcasing her vocal range and comedic timing in a high-energy format that toured Spain.[31] In 2017, she returned to the Teatro Lara for La Pilarcita, a poignant comedy by María Marull directed by Chema Tena, where Castillo took the lead as Lucía, a young woman from rural Extremadura dreaming of urban escape.[32] The intimate off-West End production highlighted her dramatic depth in a story of miracles and family bonds, running through 2018 and earning praise for her nuanced portrayal of naivety and resilience.[33] These stage roles, spanning musicals and straight plays, sharpened Castillo's adaptability to live audiences and ensemble dynamics, fostering the improvisation skills and emotional range that enhanced her transition to screen work.[34] Her contributions to these projects, part of a broader output exceeding 40 stage and screen endeavors, underscore her foundational impact on contemporary Spanish theater.[35]Recent work and collaborations
In the years following her established presence in Spanish cinema, Anna Castillo has pivoted toward high-profile projects on international streaming platforms, particularly Netflix, broadening her reach to global audiences while exploring a wider array of genres from drama to thriller. This evolution underscores her adaptability and growing international appeal, building on her prior domestic successes to secure roles that highlight her versatility in emotionally complex characters.[5] In 2022, Castillo starred as Julia in the intimate drama Wild Flowers (Girasoles silvestres), directed by Jaime Rosales, portraying a young mother of two entangled in a passionate yet volatile relationship with a troubled partner, a performance that earned her a nomination for Best Lead Actress at the Goya Awards. The film, which premiered at the San Sebastián International Film Festival, emphasized themes of love, resilience, and personal growth amid socioeconomic challenges.[36] Her collaboration with Netflix intensified in 2023, beginning with the romantic comedy series A Perfect Story (Un cuento perfecto), where she played Margot, a bride who abandons her wedding and embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery alongside a struggling artist, David, played by Álvaro Mel. Later that year, she led the survival thriller Nowhere, directed by Albert Pintó, as Mia, a pregnant woman fleeing a dystopian regime who becomes trapped in a shipping container adrift at sea, fighting for her life in a role that showcased her physical and emotional intensity and became one of Netflix's top-performing non-English films of the year.[37][38][39] Continuing this trajectory into 2024, Castillo appeared in the action-comedy thriller Escape, directed by Rodrigo Cortés, as Abril, the supportive yet conflicted sister of the protagonist, a man navigating absurd circumstances to enter prison, opposite Mario Casas. In 2025, she starred as Pilar, a party-loving princess thrust into royal duties following a family scandal, in the Prime Video comedy series Su majestad (Her Majesty), created by Borja Cobeaga and Diego San José, which premiered in February 2025.[40] That year, she also played Mia, a psychologist aiding a gifted child in the family comedy-drama Wolfgang (Wolfgang (extraordinari)), directed by Javier Ruiz Caldera.[41] Looking ahead, she is set to star in the vampire dramedy thriller series Death to Love (Que muera el amor), directed by Carlota Pereda, alongside Ester Expósito, depicting a centuries-spanning toxic romance between two female vampires seeking independence.[42][2] These projects reflect Castillo's strategic embrace of diverse, genre-blending narratives on streaming services, enhancing her profile through collaborations with acclaimed directors and co-stars while addressing contemporary themes like empowerment and relational dynamics.Personal life
Relationships and public identity
Anna Castillo has been open about her romantic relationships in the public eye, maintaining a balance between privacy and transparency amid her acting career. She was in a relationship with actress Lara Blanco from 2018 until their separation in late 2022, a partnership that began during the filming of the series Estoy Vivo and was occasionally highlighted through shared public appearances and social media posts.[43][44] Following this, Castillo entered a relationship with actor Álvaro Mel in the summer of 2023, which they met while co-starring in the Netflix series Un cuento perfecto; the couple has since been spotted together on vacations, including a trip to Greece in September 2025, confirming their ongoing partnership.[45][46] Castillo has publicly identified as bisexual, a revelation she has shared in interviews to emphasize self-acceptance and challenge societal misconceptions. In a 2022 discussion, she described discovering her bisexuality later in life, stating, "Yo soy bisexual y mi bisexualidad la descubrí ya de mayor," and reflected on the lack of visibility for such experiences in her youth.[47] She has addressed biphobia directly, particularly after facing online criticism following her relationship with Mel, posting on Instagram in September 2023: "Chicas mucho cuidado con la bifobia que hay por ahí," and elaborating in media that such prejudice equates to homophobia in its harmfulness.[48][49] As an advocate within the LGBTQ+ community in Spanish media, Castillo uses her platform to promote inclusivity and combat erasure of bisexual identities. In a September 2023 interview, she recounted experiences of being labeled as "confused" or a "lesbian in denial" during her relationship with Blanco, underscoring the need for broader acceptance: "No podéis atacar con lo mismo de lo que os defendéis."[49] Her candidness has positioned her as a vocal figure against bifobia, contributing to discussions on fluid sexuality in entertainment circles.[50]Family and motherhood
Anna Castillo maintains a close and supportive relationship with her family, particularly her mother, who has been a significant influence in her personal and professional life. In a 2025 interview with La Vanguardia, Castillo shared that her mother has always advised her on her romantic choices, noting, "Mi madre siempre me ha dicho que elijo muy bien a las parejas," highlighting the ongoing guidance and affection in their bond.[51] This familial support was evident when her mother posted an emotional video tribute on Castillo's 32nd birthday in October 2025, featuring childhood footage that touched fans and underscored their enduring connection.[52] Although Castillo has not publicly revealed experiences as a parent, she has openly discussed her perspectives on motherhood in various interviews, often drawing from her observations of societal challenges and her own familial model. In a 2023 conversation with El Mundo, she referenced her mother as her primary benchmark for motherhood, stating, "Mi referente de maternidad tiene que ver con mi madre porque no tengo otro," emphasizing the personal resonance of maternal roles in her life.[49] She has also addressed broader issues, critiquing systemic barriers for young mothers in a 2022 Público interview: "El sistema oprime a las madres, sobre todo, cuando son jóvenes y no tienen recursos," reflecting her awareness of the joys and difficulties through roles like the young parent in Girasoles silvestres (2022).[53] Balancing her demanding acting career with family life remains a priority for Castillo, whom she describes as a source of grounding amid professional pressures. In a 2024 Cosmopolitan feature, she recounted childhood aspirations shared with her mother, illustrating how family conversations have shaped her resilience and continue to provide emotional stability during intense filming schedules.[54] Castillo has expressed gratitude for this supportive environment, noting in interviews the importance of carving out time for loved ones to navigate the challenges of fame without losing personal anchors.[55]Filmography
Film
Anna Castillo made her film debut in 2010 and has since appeared in approximately 20 feature films, often in supporting roles early on before taking leads in critically acclaimed Spanish productions.| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Blog | Bea (supporting)[56] |
| 2012 | Ghost Graduation (Promoción fantasma) | Ángela (supporting)[57] |
| 2016 | The Olive Tree (El olivo) | Alma (lead)[57][56] |
| 2017 | Holy Camp! (La llamada) | Susana Romero (lead)[57] |
| 2017 | Gold (Oro) | La Parda (supporting)[57] |
| 2018 | Journey to a Mother's Room (Viaje al cuarto de una madre) | Leonor (lead)[57] |
| 2020 | Adú | Sandra (supporting)[57] |
| 2020 | That Was Life (La vida era eso) | Verónica (lead) |
| 2021 | More the Merrier (Donde caben dos) | Clara (lead) |
| 2021 | The Laws of the Sea (Mediterráneo) | Esther (supporting)[57] |
| 2022 | Wild Flowers (Girasoles silvestres) | Julia (lead)[57] |
| 2022 | Stories Not to Be Told (Historias para no contar) | Laura (supporting)[57] |
| 2023 | The Fantastic Golem Affairs (El fantástico caso del Golem) | María Pons (lead)[57] |
| 2023 | Nowhere | Mia (lead)[57] |
| 2023 | I Don't Expect Anyone to Believe Me (No voy a pedirle a nadie que me crea) | Laia (supporting)[57] |
| 2024 | Escape (La fuga) | Abril (lead)[57] |
| 2025 | Wolfgang (Extraordinari) | Mia (lead)[57] |
Television
Anna Castillo began her television career with guest and recurring roles in Spanish series before gaining prominence in long-running soaps and anthology formats. Her television work spans dramas, comedies, and thrillers, often featuring complex supporting characters.| Year(s) | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2014 | Club Super 3 | Ana | 26 episodes |
| 2011 | Doctor Mateo (Season 5) | Sara | Guest role[58] |
| 2013–2015 | Amar en tiempos revueltos | Dorita | 215 episodes[56] |
| 2014 | La caída de Apolo | Laura | Miniseries[58] |
| 2015 | Cités | Laia | 2 episodes (anthology series)[59] |
| 2016 | Paquita Salas (Season 1) | Belén de Lucas | Episode 5[58] |
| 2016 | Web Therapy | Iria de la Villa | 1 episode |
| 2016–2018 | El ministerio del tiempo | Adelaida | Recurring, 5 episodes[58] |
| 2016–2019 | Paquita Salas | Belén de Lucas | Recurring role, Seasons 1–3[58] |
| 2017–2019 | Estoy vivo (Seasons 1–3) | Susana Vargas | Main role, 30+ episodes across seasons[58] |
| 2018 | Arde Madrid (Season 1) | Pilar | Miniseries, 8 episodes[58] |
| 2020 | La línea invisible (Season 1) | Txiki | Miniseries, 4 episodes[58] |
| 2021 | Los hombres de Paco (Season 10) | Elisa Jareño | Episode 15[58] |
| 2022 | Fácil (Season 1) | Nati | Main role, 7 episodes[58] |
| 2023 | Un cuento perfecto (A Perfect Story) | Margot | Miniseries, 5 episodes[58][60] |
| 2025 | Su majestad | Pilar | Main role, 6 episodes[58][40] |
| 2025 | Death to Love (Que muera el amor) | Sese | Lead role, dramedy thriller series[2] |
Theater
Anna Castillo made her professional stage debut at the age of 15 in the musical A, composed by Nacho Cano, where she portrayed the character of Alma. The production ran from 2008 to 2009 and was staged at the Teatro Calderón in Madrid and the Teatro Apolo in Barcelona.[61] Her breakthrough in theater came with the musical La llamada, directed by Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo, in which she played Susana Romero from 2013 to 2016. The show premiered in 2014 at the Teatro Alameda in Málaga before transferring to the Teatro Lara in Madrid, where it achieved significant commercial success over its extended run.[26][62] In 2016–2017, Castillo starred as Sammy in the rock musical Drac Pack, with music by Najwa Nimri, Emilio Tomé, and Carlos Dorrego, directed by Fernando Soto. The production was performed in Madrid and later in Barcelona at the Teatre Tivoli.[63][64] From 2017 to 2018, she took the lead role of Lucía in La Pilarcita, a play written by María Marull and directed by Chema Tena, staged at the Teatro de La Abadía in Madrid. The work explored themes of family and identity through a costumbrista lens.[32]| Year | Title | Role | Venue(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008–2009 | A | Alma | Teatro Calderón (Madrid), Teatro Apolo (Barcelona) |
| 2013–2016 | La llamada | Susana Romero | Teatro Alameda (Málaga), Teatro Lara (Madrid) |
| 2016–2017 | Drac Pack | Sammy | Various theaters in Madrid and Barcelona (Teatre Tivoli) |
| 2017–2018 | La Pilarcita | Lucía | Teatro de La Abadía (Madrid) |
Accolades
Goya Awards
Anna Castillo received her first Goya Award nomination at the 31st Goya Awards in 2017, where she won Best New Actress for her role as Alma in The Olive Tree (2016), directed by Icíar Bollaín, marking her breakthrough in Spanish cinema.[65] At the 32nd Goya Awards in 2018, she earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actress for portraying Susana in Holy Camp! (La llamada, 2017), a musical drama directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi.[66] Castillo continued her recognition with another nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 33rd Goya Awards in 2019, this time for her performance as Leonor in Journey to a Mother's Room (Viaje al cuarto de una madre, 2018), directed by Celia Rico Clavellino.[67] Her fourth Goya nomination came at the 37th Goya Awards in 2023, where she was recognized in the Best Lead Actress category for her role as Julia in Wild Flowers (Girasoles silvestres, 2022), a drama directed by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa.[68]| Year | Award | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 (31st) | Best New Actress | The Olive Tree | Won |
| 2018 (32nd) | Best Supporting Actress | Holy Camp! | Nominated |
| 2019 (33rd) | Best Supporting Actress | Journey to a Mother's Room | Nominated |
| 2023 (37th) | Best Lead Actress | Wild Flowers | Nominated |
Feroz Awards
Anna Castillo's recognition at the Premios Feroz, presented annually by the Asociación de Informadores Cinematográficos de España since 2010, underscores the awards' significance in spotlighting emerging talent alongside established figures in Spanish film and television.[69] These critic-driven honors have played a key role in elevating her profile, particularly through nominations and wins that highlight her versatile performances in both supporting and leading roles. In 2018, at the 5th Feroz Awards, Castillo earned her first nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Film for her portrayal of Susana in Holy Camp! (original title: La llamada), a musical comedy that marked an early breakthrough in her career.[70] She did not win, but the nod affirmed her rising presence among critics. Castillo achieved a career milestone in 2019 at the 6th Feroz Awards, securing two victories: Best Supporting Actress in a Film for her role as Leonor in Journey to a Mother's Room (original title: Viaje al cuarto de una madre), and Best Supporting Actress in a Series for her performance in Arde Madrid.[71] This double win, celebrated during the ceremony in Bilbao, highlighted her ability to excel across mediums and solidified her status as a multifaceted actress. The film's intimate exploration of family dynamics earned praise for her nuanced depiction of a young woman navigating emotional turmoil. Her accolades continued with a nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Film at the 10th Feroz Awards in 2023 for Wild Flowers (original title: Girasoles silvestres), where she played the resilient Julia, a single mother facing personal and societal challenges.[72] Though not victorious, this recognition reflected her transition to more prominent lead roles. Most recently, in 2025 at the 12th Feroz Awards, Castillo received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Film for her role as Abril in Escape, a thriller directed by Rodrigo Cortés that delves into themes of desperation and confinement.[73] The nomination, announced in December 2024, positions her among top contenders, continuing the Feroz tradition of championing innovative performances in contemporary Spanish cinema.[74]| Year | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Best Supporting Actress in a Film | Holy Camp! | Nominated[75] |
| 2019 | Best Supporting Actress in a Film | Journey to a Mother's Room | Won[71] |
| 2019 | Best Supporting Actress in a Series | Arde Madrid | Won[71] |
| 2023 | Best Leading Actress in a Film | Wild Flowers | Nominated[76] |
| 2025 | Best Supporting Actress in a Film | Escape | Nominated[73] |