A family's 80th birthday party hides dark secrets & revenge in The Tribute (El Homenaje), a gripping SkyShowtime thriller starring Elsa Pataky.
- April 24, 2026
AceShowbiz - The Tribute (El Homenaje) is a gripping new Spanish original series launching on SkyShowtime, centered on the powerful Novak family and the explosive dynamics behind an 80th birthday celebration. The family thriller, which debuts its first four episodes followed by the remaining four on April 30, delves into dark secrets, betrayals, and revenge masked by smiles and toasts.
The series features a stellar ensemble cast including Eusebio Poncela in his final fiction role, Miriam Giovanelli, Juana Acosta, Enrique Arce, Raúl Prieto, Luis Tosar, Luisa Mayol, and Elsa Pataky, who also reprises her collaboration with many actors from the earlier SkyShowtime hit Shades (Matices). New additions to the cast include Manu Ríos, Álvaro Rico, Ángela Molina, Georgina Amorós, and Óscar de la Fuente.
Elsa Pataky not only stars in the series as Stella Novak but also serves as an executive producer alongside director and executive producer Sergio Cánovas. The show was created and written by Javier Naya, Martín Suárez, and Cánovas, weaving a complex narrative about family rivalry and hidden truths.
The plot centers on Eusebio Poncela’s character, Adolfo Novak, the patriarch of one of Spain’s most influential families, who invites his relatives and close friends to celebrate his 80th birthday. What begins as a joyful gathering quickly unravels decades of concealed betrayals and long-held grudges, culminating in a revelation that shocks everyone involved, far beyond what any suspicion had anticipated.
SkyShowtime Chief Content Officer Kai Finke praised the series for its “magnificent cast and gripping storyline.” Produced by Secuoya Studios and Stellarmedia, the show is a collaboration between SkyShowtime and Prime Video, with Prime Video holding second-window streaming rights.
In a video interview from Madrid with The Hollywood Reporter, Elsa Pataky discussed her dual role in The Tribute and shared insights into the psychological depth of the characters, especially the competitive dynamics within the Novak family, which she described as a battle for love rather than power or money. She emphasized that the story explores how childhood experiences and family relationships shape mental health and personal struggles.
Pataky’s character, Stella Novak, is portrayed as intelligent, driven, and emotionally scarred by difficulties in her relationship with her mother. Stella wrestles with feelings of abandonment and a desire to reconcile with her family, particularly her sister, while also protecting her father and trying to heal past wounds. This role contrasts with Pataky’s previous character in Shades, though many of the cast and creative team remain the same.
Pataky expressed enthusiasm about reuniting with the Shades cast and crew for a new story. She explained that the creators tailored the new project to suit the actors, ensuring each felt connected to their character, which helped foster a sense of family on set.
In addition to acting, Elsa Pataky embraced her responsibilities as an executive producer. She shared how discussions with director Sergio Cánovas encouraged her to take on the role and learn the producer’s perspective. Pataky found producing rewarding and insightful, offering a new appreciation for the challenges of bringing a series to life behind the scenes.
She recounted a specific moment on set when she had to step in during a fight scene to coach an actress who was hesitant to perform physical action. Leveraging her experience with action films, Pataky demonstrated how to execute the scene convincingly, blending her skills as both an actress and producer to ensure the moment worked effectively.
The Tribute is set to captivate audiences with its intense exploration of family secrets and emotional conflict, supported by an impressive ensemble and strong creative leadership. The series promises a compelling blend of suspense and drama, anchored by Elsa Pataky’s dual contributions on screen and behind the camera.