If there was one theme running through many of the best works, it was this celebration of unique cultural identities and how they’re expressed in the form of craft. And it felt like a timely reminder of the global scope of the project—and the vast array of countries from which this year’s finalists hailed—especially at a moment when many countries seem to be shrinking back from the close international ties forged over the past century. More than anything overtly political, though, it all came together to celebrate the thrill and fascination of discovering new aesthetic traditions from around the world, and of meeting the makers bringing that heritage into the present day. As Loewe herself put it: “This edition has very beautiful examples of pieces that are about taking an ancient technique and updating it. We want to have old skills that, with innovation, are updated and speak to the future of craft.”

After a day of wandering through the exhibition and speaking to the finalists, the Loewe crowd returned on a perfectly balmy Madrid evening to the Thyssen-Bornemisza for champagne and passed-around bowls of jamon croquetas. McCollough and Hernandez made a low-key entrance to watch the ceremony, while many core members of the Loewe front-row gang—including Ayo Edebiri, Lesley Manville, Murray Bartlett, and Alison Oliver—caught up over cocktails and exchanged notes on their favorite pieces.

Just after 9 p.m., the jury took to the stage to hand out this year’s prizes: First, the special mentions to Marcus-Bello and Singh by Meg Ryan, and finally, the Alex Brogden-designed silver trophy to Aoki by Pedro Almodóvar. “The artists in this exhibition represent a continuing need to remain curious,” the legendary Spanish director told the crowd. “I urge you all to slow down and spend time with the works. Now is the moment.”

The decision, Loewe noted, came after a process of lengthy (and occasionally fiery) deliberation. “It’s amazing to have such an important jury, full of really strong voices, but the problem is that means they are not easy to convince,” she said earlier in the day. “Everyone defends their opinion strongly. It’s amazing to have these conversations, but it’s not easy. Because it’s not just one person that is deserving, all 30 are deserving—you can imagine how many beautiful, special things we looked at among the more than 4,600 pieces that were submitted.” (Luckily, both Loewe and her fellow juror, the ceramicist Andres Anza—and also last year’s prize winner—noted that the jury ended up agreeing on this year’s winner unanimously.)