The REwards are approval and admiration (both familial and public)..plus you get to make a nice living and have groupies! The Awards are ears and tails, depending on how well you did.
Not all bullfighters are successful, by the way..most are not.
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In earlier years of bullfighting the matador was not well paid. If they performed well in the ring they might be awarded an ear from the dead bull. This meant that he could claim the meat from the animal after the fight. Today, top matadors receive tens of thousands of dollars to perform so have no need for the meat. If they perform well, they might be awarded an ear but it is strictly symbolic. A superior performance might mean he gets two ears and an excellent performance two ears and a tail. There have been a few cases where the matador was also awarded a hoof. While symbolic, the awards granted become part of his 'permanent record,' so to speak, and are recorded.
There are other toreros who take part in the bullfight besides the matador:
Banderillero - assistants who help the matador as well as place the decorated, barbed sticks called banderillas.
Picador - the horse-mounted torero who uses a puya a type of lance or spear - to weaken the bull's tossing muscle.
The only way a bull can win is if it puts on a spectacular performance and is granted at pardon (indulto). Even if a bull were to seriously injure or kill a matador, it will be killed by the senior matador remaining usually without fanfare.