Javier Bardem Honored with Donostia Award, Earns Heartfelt Ovation at San Sebastian
variety.comCallum McLennan SAN SEBASTIAN – Javier Bardem received a standing ovation at the opening of the 72nd San Sebastian Film Festival as he took to the stage to finally collect the prestigious Donostia Award originally awarded to him in 2023.
After missing last year’s ceremony due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, Bardem was the star of Friday evening, warmly welcomed by the audience, including his wife, Penelope Cruz.
The festival opened with a heartfelt tribute to Bardem by his sister, Mónica, and brother, Carlos, who took the stage to present him with the award. “He’s a better human being than an actor, a better son, a better brother, a better father, and a better friend.
If Javier loves you, he inhabits you. Being in his heart is something very beautiful.” she shared. The emotional accolades continued with Bardem’s career-long acting coach and friend, Juan Carlos Corazza, who praised the actor’s dedication to his craft: “He has the courage to go further.
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