The Black Ball has demonstrated the Javis' ability to connect with mainstream audiences on topics that until recently were quite marginal. The film's phenomenon goes beyond the award at Cannes and the audience awards at the Toronto and San Sebastian festivals: it attracts audiences in droves to theaters. It debuted with 4.7 million euros in its first three days and more than 610,000 viewers, exceptional figures. In two weeks it has reached 2 million viewers and almost 15 million euros in box office revenue.

A few days before its theatrical release The Black Ball, the troupe of the Javis has revolutionized the San Sebastián Festival, where the film was screened for the first time in the country on the same day it won the audience award at the Toronto Festival, a new boost in its race towards the Oscars. In the film, Penélope Cruz (Alcobendas, 1974) plays a small but essential role, a kind of cabaret singer who serves as inspiration for the gay soldier from the Francoist side played by Guitarricadelafuente.