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.