Antonio Banderas is earning an honorary Goya award for his lengthy career.

"This award is partly a reward and an incentive," he said. "It allows me to balance a long career and feel very appreciative."

Banderas will be awarded in a gala on Feb. 8, and he said he plans to deliver an optimistic message. The 54-year-old actor, producer and director is the youngest person to win the award.

Goya Academy President Enrique González Macho had some kind words to say about the actor.

"As a person, you are enormously loved," he said. "I have rarely seen such a positive reaction."

Banderas was unanimously voted by the academy to receive this honor. The award is meant to recognize the work he has done on both sides of the Atlantic.

Banderas explained that he decided to try his luck in Hollywood, though there wasn't a clear path he could follow. It was up to him to try to break what seemed like an impossible barrier.

And now that he looks back at what he has accomplished, it seems impossible.

"The things that have happened in my life, the people that I have known, all are part of a dream that I sometimes think I will wake up from," Banderas added. "I don't want to leave behind American cinema, but I want to participate more in Spanish movies. Basically, in directing and producing."

He said that the secret to his success comes from the American phrase "no guts, no glory."

Banderas explained that he's also very fascinated by young actors, as he thinks they are better at acting than when his generation started.

And he doesn't dare give them any advice.

"You have to be very wise, and I am not," he said. "And I have played many heroes, and I am also not that."

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