Saura, who died on Friday aged 91, had been due to receive the academy’s honorary Goya Award at the annual ceremony.

It was awarded posthumously, and to applause his widow Eulalia Ramón read out Saura’s own words, written before his death: “I am sorry I cannot be with you”.

The filmmaker was credited with leading the awakening of Spain’s art cinema after decades of fascist dictatorship under Francisco Franco.

“As Bestas”, which is Galician for “The Beasts” and is a tense thriller, won nine accolades including for best film, director, actor and music.

Spanish movie star Penelope Cruz was nominated for best supporting actress for her role in “En Los Margenes”, a film about housing problems. The category was won by Susi Sanchez for her role in “Lullaby”.