Paul Lukas (Budapest, 1894- Tangier, 1971), born Pál Lukács, was one of the great Hungarian actors in classical Hollywood. Starring over 130 films, he worked with filmmakers such as Alfred Hitchcock, George Cukor and John Huston, and reached his highest recognition with Alarm in the Rhine (Watch on the Rhine, 1943), for which he obtained the Oscar and the Golden Globe for the best actor. He also left a particularly remembered performance as Professor Pierre Aronnax in 20,000 seaside leagues (1954), along with Kirk Douglas and James Mason.

The winner of the Oscar and international figure historically linked to Benalmádena and the Costa del Sol, Lukas has maintained a close relationship with the municipality since the 1950s and came to collaborate with the first years of the International Film Week of the Author of Benalmádena, a fundamental precedent of the local film tradition.

Lukas died in Tangier in August 1971 and, following his will, was buried in the International Cemetery of Benalmádena, where he rests under a simple tombstone in which, together with his name, there was up to a little bit a word that sums up his whole life: «Actor».

That historical link now wants to be put into value. A commemorative plaque was recently approved next to its grave in the International Cemetery, as well as opening the door to future actions aimed at recovering and disseminating its heritage and cultural heritage in the municipality. In addition, thanks to the Hungarian Embassy in Spain, his funeral stone has been renewed this year (coinciding with the 55th anniversary of the death of Paul Lukas).