Catalina Saavedra
Encyclopedia
Catalina Saavedra Pérez is a Chile
an film, stage and television actress. She is better known to international audiences as the title character in the 2009 film The Maid
, for which she received several awards and nominations.
, Chile. Years later, her love for acting led her to deepen her studies at the "Escuela de Teatro Imagen" in Santiago, Chile, and later in Barcelona, when she began to study experimental theatre
.
Saavedra's first professional theatre performances were in roles in plays such as "El Despertar" (1991–1997), "Pervertimientos y Otros Gestos Para Nada" (1993) and "La noche de la Iguana" (The Night of the Iguana
) (1994), and in a Café-chantant
called "TV cable 90" (1992). On film, Saavedra's first appearances were in short films, such as "El Bidón" and "Volando Voy" (directed by Miguel Littin
). Saavedra's has performed various roles in a several soap opera
s, sitcoms and TV shows on Chilean and German television. Interestingly, she has recurringly portrayed maids.
International recognition for Saavedra came in 2009, for her leading role as Raquel in the 2009
Chilean film The Maid (2009 film). It was released on August 13, 2009 in Chile and October 16, 2009 in the United States
, grossing over $400,000 in the first few weeks in theaters with only 18 copies circulating, turning into one of the most successful Chilean films in the United States. The film ended its theatrical run in the United States with a gross of $576,608. Her role was praised by specialized press and critics around the world, bestowing her many acting awards, including Best Actress at the Sundance Film Festival
, Torino Film Festival, Huelva Film Festival, Biarritz Film Festival, Cartagena Film Festival
and Miami Film Festival, a breakthrough award at the Gotham Independent Film Awards
and a Satellite Awards
nomination. In late 2009, she appeared as a possible nominee for the most important film awards, Academy Awards
and Golden Globes Awards along with the film The Maid for International Movie.
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
an film, stage and television actress. She is better known to international audiences as the title character in the 2009 film The Maid
The Maid (2009 film)
The Maid is a 2009 comedy-drama film, directed by Sebastián Silva and co-written by Silva and Pedro Peirano. It has won numerous awards since its premiere at the 25th Annual Sundance Film Festival...
, for which she received several awards and nominations.
Career
Saavedra started acting lessons at the age of ten, prompted by her mother's hiring of a private theater arts teacher in ValparaísoValparaíso
Valparaíso is a city and commune of Chile, center of its third largest conurbation and one of the country's most important seaports and an increasing cultural center in the Southwest Pacific hemisphere. The city is the capital of the Valparaíso Province and the Valparaíso Region...
, Chile. Years later, her love for acting led her to deepen her studies at the "Escuela de Teatro Imagen" in Santiago, Chile, and later in Barcelona, when she began to study experimental theatre
Experimental theatre
Experimental theatre is a general term for various movements in Western theatre that began in the late 19th century as a retraction against the dominant vent governing the writing and production of dramatical menstrophy, and age in particular. The term has shifted over time as the mainstream...
.
Saavedra's first professional theatre performances were in roles in plays such as "El Despertar" (1991–1997), "Pervertimientos y Otros Gestos Para Nada" (1993) and "La noche de la Iguana" (The Night of the Iguana
The Night of the Iguana
The Night of the Iguana is a stageplay written by American author Tennessee Williams, based on his 1948 short story. The play premiered on Broadway in 1961. Two film adaptations have been made, including the Academy Award-winning 1964 film of the same name....
) (1994), and in a Café-chantant
Café-chantant
Café chantant is a type of musical establishment associated with the belle époque in France. Although there is much overlap of definition with cabaret, music hall, vaudeville, etc. the café chantant was originally an outdoor café where small groups of performers performed popular music for the...
called "TV cable 90" (1992). On film, Saavedra's first appearances were in short films, such as "El Bidón" and "Volando Voy" (directed by Miguel Littin
Miguel Littin
Miguel Ernesto Littín Cucumides is a Chilean film director, screenwriter, film producer and novelist. He was born to a Palestinian father, Hernán Littin and a Greek mother, Cristina Cucumides....
). Saavedra's has performed various roles in a several soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
s, sitcoms and TV shows on Chilean and German television. Interestingly, she has recurringly portrayed maids.
International recognition for Saavedra came in 2009, for her leading role as Raquel in the 2009
2009 in film
The year 2009 saw the release of many films. Seven made the top 50 list of highest-grossing films, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that as of this year, their Best Picture category would consist of ten nominees, rather than five .- Highest-grossing films :Please note...
Chilean film The Maid (2009 film). It was released on August 13, 2009 in Chile and October 16, 2009 in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, grossing over $400,000 in the first few weeks in theaters with only 18 copies circulating, turning into one of the most successful Chilean films in the United States. The film ended its theatrical run in the United States with a gross of $576,608. Her role was praised by specialized press and critics around the world, bestowing her many acting awards, including Best Actress at the Sundance Film Festival
Sundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival is a film festival that takes place annually in Utah, in the United States. It is the largest independent cinema festival in the United States. Held in January in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Ogden, as well as at the Sundance Resort, the festival is a showcase for new...
, Torino Film Festival, Huelva Film Festival, Biarritz Film Festival, Cartagena Film Festival
Cartagena Film Festival
The Cartagena Film Festival, or Festival Internacional de Cine y T.V. de Cartagena de Indias. is a Colombian film festival which focuses on the promotion of Colombian television programs, Latin American films, and videos...
and Miami Film Festival, a breakthrough award at the Gotham Independent Film Awards
Gotham Independent Film Awards 2009
The 19th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards were held on November 30, 2009.-Best Feature:The Hurt Locker*Amreeka*Big Fan*The Maid*A Serious Man-Best Ensemble Cast Performance:The Hurt Locker*Adventureland...
and a Satellite Awards
Satellite Awards
The Satellite Awards are an annual award given by the International Press Academy. The awards were originally known as the Golden Satellite Awards.- Film :*Best Actor – Drama*Best Actor – Musical or Comedy*Best Actress – Drama...
nomination. In late 2009, she appeared as a possible nominee for the most important film awards, Academy Awards
Academy Awards
An Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is an accolade bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers...
and Golden Globes Awards along with the film The Maid for International Movie.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | El Bidón | Short film | |
| Volando Voy | Luchita | Short film directed by Miguel Littín Miguel Littin Miguel Ernesto Littín Cucumides is a Chilean film director, screenwriter, film producer and novelist. He was born to a Palestinian father, Hernán Littin and a Greek mother, Cristina Cucumides.... , twice nominated for an Academy Award. |
|
| 1999 | Salmón a lo Pobre | Short film | |
| 2002 | La Perra | ||
| 2007 | Normal con Alas | ||
| La Vida me Mata | |||
| 2008 | 31 Minutos, La Película 31 Minutos is a Chilean television show which takes the form of a mock news broadcast, and is fronted by puppets who present various items. The programme was devised by Álvaro Díaz and Pedro Peirano and is produced by their own company, APLAPLAC... |
Cachirula (voice) | Havana Film Festival Havana Film Festival The Havana Film Festival is a Cuban festival that focuses on the promotion of Spanish-language filmmakers. It is also known in Spanish as Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano de La Habana, and in English as Festival of New Latinamerican Cinema of La Havana.The festival takes place... Award-winning for Best Animated Film |
| Chile Puede | Magda | Supported by the National Council For Arts & Culture, Chile | |
| Ausente | |||
| Mami Te Amo | |||
| Secretos | |||
| 2009 | The Dancer and the Thief | Madre Ángel | Short appearance. Directed by Fernando Trueba Fernando Trueba Fernando Trueba is a Spanish book editor, screenwriter, film director and producer.Between 1974 and 1979 worked as a film critic for Spain's leading daily newspaper EL PAIS. In 1980, founded the monthly film magazine CASABLANCA, which he edited and directed during its first two years... , Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Language Film with Belle Époque Belle Époque The Belle Époque or La Belle Époque was a period in European social history that began during the late 19th century and lasted until World War I. Occurring during the era of the French Third Republic and the German Empire, it was a period characterised by optimism and new technological and medical... . |
| The Maid The Maid (2009 film) The Maid is a 2009 comedy-drama film, directed by Sebastián Silva and co-written by Silva and Pedro Peirano. It has won numerous awards since its premiere at the 25th Annual Sundance Film Festival... |
Raquel | Sundance Film Festival Award-winning. Nominated for "The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards" consideration honoring 2009 achievements. |
|
Theatre
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Altazor Awards Altazor Awards The Altazor Award of the National Arts or simply Altazor, is a Chilean award which is awarded annually. The winners are chosen by the own creators and performers of the arts. Were established in 1958, but were not awarded until 1999.... |
Best Actress in a Play | Las Brutas | |
Film
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | SANFIC | Special Mention for Acting | La vida me mata | |
| 2009 | Guadalajara International Film Festival Guadalajara International Film Festival The Guadalajara International Film Festival is a week-long film festival held each March in the Mexican city of Guadalajara. The festival is considered the most prestigious film festival in Latin America and among the most important Spanish language film festivals in the world... |
Best Actress in a leading role | The Maid The Maid (2009 film) The Maid is a 2009 comedy-drama film, directed by Sebastián Silva and co-written by Silva and Pedro Peirano. It has won numerous awards since its premiere at the 25th Annual Sundance Film Festival... |
|
| Iberoamerican Huelva Film Festival | ||||
| Turin Film Festival | ||||
| Biarritz Film Festival | ||||
| Cartagena International Film Festival | ||||
| Miami International Film Festival Miami International Film Festival The Miami International Film Festival is an annual film festival held in Miami, Florida in the late winter. The film festival is sponsored by the Miami Film Society, which has been around since 1983.... |
||||
| Havana Film Festival Havana Film Festival The Havana Film Festival is a Cuban festival that focuses on the promotion of Spanish-language filmmakers. It is also known in Spanish as Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano de La Habana, and in English as Festival of New Latinamerican Cinema of La Havana.The festival takes place... |
||||
| Sundance Film Festival Awards | World Cinema Special Jury Prize for Acting | |||
| Gotham Film Awards Gotham Independent Film Awards 2009 The 19th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards were held on November 30, 2009.-Best Feature:The Hurt Locker*Amreeka*Big Fan*The Maid*A Serious Man-Best Ensemble Cast Performance:The Hurt Locker*Adventureland... |
Breakthrough Actor/Actress | |||
| Satellite Awards 2009 Satellite Awards 2009 The 2009 Satellite Awards, honoring the year's outstanding performers, films, television shows, DVDs, and interactive media, were presented by the International Press Academy at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles on Sunday, December 20, 2009... |
Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama | |||
| 2010 | Dorian Awards | Film performance of the year | ||
| Altazor Awards Altazor Awards The Altazor Award of the National Arts or simply Altazor, is a Chilean award which is awarded annually. The winners are chosen by the own creators and performers of the arts. Were established in 1958, but were not awarded until 1999.... |
Best actress | |||
| Pedro Sienna Awards | Best Actress in a leading role | |||
| People en Español Awards | Best Actress in a leading role | |||
Television credits (sitcoms and series)
- Jaguar Yu (1992).
- Amor a domicilio, la comedia (1996) as Brígida.
- Geografía del deseo (2004), as Marisa.
- Los Galindo (2005), season 1, episode 1.
- Loco por ti (2005), season 4, episode 2.
- Los simuladores (2005), season 1, episodes 1, 3, 4 and 8.
- La nany (2005), season 1, episodes 8 and 76.
- La otra cara del espejo (2006), season 1, episode 1.
- Urgencias (2006), season 2, episode 9.
- Huaiquimán y Tolosa (2006), season 1, episode 8.
- Los Venegas (2006 - 2011) as Josefina.
Television credits (soap operas)
- Hasta en las mejores familias (1994) as Jessica.
- Amor a Domicilio (1995) as Brígida.
- AdrenalinaAdrenalina- Personnel :* Marco Pedretti – lead vocals* Carmine Ruggiero – guitars, vocals* Stefano Mantegazza – bass, vocals* Danilo Calvio – drums, vocals...
(1996) as Raquel Trujillo. - Playa Salvaje (1997) as Susana.
- Fuera de Control (1999) as Pamela Duarte.
- Sabor a Ti (2000) as Virginia Solano.
- Piel Canela (2001) as Talula Vargas.
- Buen Partido (2002) as Rita.
- FortunatoFortunatoFortunato can refer to any of the following:*Fortunato, a character in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado"* Fortunato , a character in the Wild Cards series*Bartolomé Fortunato, a major league baseball pitcher...
(2007), as Dulcinea.
Stage credits
- El Despertar (1991–1997).
- Pervertimientos y Otros Gestos Para Nada (1993).
- La noche de la Iguana (1994).
- Muerte de un Funcionario Público (1995).
- Telarañas (1996, 1998).
- Sht (2000).
- Ojos Rotos (2001–2002) (permormed in Chile and at the International Hispanic Theatre Festival of Miami).
- Firmas para el Amor (2001–2002), Assistant directorAssistant directorThe role of an Assistant director include tracking daily progress against the filming production schedule, arranging logistics, preparing daily call sheets, checking cast and crew, maintaining order on the set. They also have to take care of health and safety of the crew...
. - Circulando (2003).
- Ni Ahí (2004).
- Inocencia (2004).
- En La Sangre (2004).
- Putas Errantes (2005–2006).
- El lugar de la misericordia (2006), Assistant directorAssistant directorThe role of an Assistant director include tracking daily progress against the filming production schedule, arranging logistics, preparing daily call sheets, checking cast and crew, maintaining order on the set. They also have to take care of health and safety of the crew...
. - Las Gallinas (2007).
- Las Brutas (2007) (performed in Chile and in a Tour to Europe).
- Los Mountainbikers (2008).
- Diatriba de la victoria (2009).
- Equívoca Fuga de Señorita Apretando un Pañuelo de encaje sobre su Pecho (2009).