The shortlists for every category were unveiled on early November, with 160 films being selected to compete. Nominations were read by actors Nathalie Poza and José Coronado on 29 November 2021.[3][4]The Good Boss received the most nominations with a record-breaking twenty. It was followed by Maixabel, with fourteen nominations, and Parallel Mothers, with eight.[5]
A new non competitive award that honors personalities from international cinema was introduced for the first time. The first honoree was Australian actress Cate Blanchett.[7]
The gala was directed by Dani de la Torre and the screenplay was penned by Bárbara Alpuente, Ángela Armero [es], Nuria Roca and Alberto López.[8] It featured performances by Joaquín Sabina, Leiva, C. Tangana and Luz Casal.[8] It was the first time that the ceremony was held in Valencia.