Ana Wagener

Ana Álvarez Wagener, professionally known as Ana Wagener, was born on August 25, 1962, in Las Palmas, Spain, and has established herself as one of the most versatile and respected performers in Spanish cinema. She completed her formal training at the prestigious Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático de Sevilla, where she developed the foundational skills that would sustain her decades-long career. Her professional journey began remarkably early when, at just eighteen years old, director Alfonso Zurro selected her to perform in the opera Carmen, leading to her association with the theatre company La Jácara in 1982. This theatrical grounding proved invaluable, as she made her feature film debut five years later in the 1987 film Los invitados, marking the beginning of a prolific screen career that spans over four decades. Beyond her on-screen work, Wagener has maintained a significant presence in the dubbing industry since the 1980s, serving both as a voice actress and director, notably providing the Spanish voice for American actress Felicity Huffman in numerous productions.

Wagener's cinematic breakthrough came with her role in the 2000 film El Bola, after which she became a regular presence in critically acclaimed Spanish cinema, appearing in films such as 7 Virgins, Dark Blue Almost Black, and Take the Sky. Her performances in My Prison Yard, Biutiful, and The Sleeping Voice earned her multiple Goya Award nominations, with her portrayal in The Sleeping Voice securing her the Goya Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2011. Her television credits are equally impressive, including memorable roles in series such as Querido maestro, Compañeros, El comisario, and particularly her portrayal of Vicenta Ramírez in La Señora and its sequel 14 de abril. La República. More recent notable works include her appearance in the thriller The Invisible Guest (Contratiempo), and she was honored with the Premio de Honor at the Alicante Film Festival in 2019, recognizing her extensive and distinguished contribution to Spanish film and television.