Javier Bardem rejoices as Penelope Cruz accepts San Sebastian honor

Spanish national treasure Javier Bardem was emotional on Friday night as he expressed his admiration for his wife, Penelope Cruz, as he accepted the Donostia Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 San Sebastian Film Festival.

Bardem, who has had leading roles in Dune: Part Two, No Country for Old Men — which earned him an Academy Award — and Falling Skyamong a myriad of famous Spanish projects such as Golden eggs AND The Detective and DeathHe received the award from the hands of his siblings, Monica and Carlos Bardem, who paid homage to their brother at the Kursaal Theatre during the inaugural gala evening.

Bardem referenced his Silver Shell win for best actor 30 years ago, almost to the day in 1994. “It was the beginning of a great friendship with this wonderful film festival that has given me so much on a personal and professional level,” the actor said.

“San Sebastian is a place where 30 years ago I won an award that I still don't believe they gave me and now I'm here receiving it from my brother and sister who I love and admire.” He took the opportunity to pay tribute to his family: “They educated me at a time when my mother had to work 24 hours a day. … If I'm alive physically, not just spiritually and emotionally, it was my brother and sister who took care of me, who gave me their attention and their love.”

He added: “I want to dedicate this award to four people: my mother who is present, she is here at the theatre and she is happy, I feel it.”

But the biggest coos from the crowd came when Bardem spoke candidly of his love for his wife, Cruz, whom he married in 2010: “And to a woman I love and with whom I have shared a life, I want to thank and give my deep gratitude for the human being that you are and for how you manage to be responsible for life, the life of your children, the life of your family, your mother, your friends, the lives of others, the many people you don't know for whom you suffer and for whom you take care of and without a doubt the life of this gentleman who is here, who loves you and thanks you very much for that.” He quickly thanked their two children, Leo and Luna.

Cruz smiled at her husband as he blew kisses toward her seat. The power couple arrived hand in hand on the red carpet for the event.

Bardem concluded his speech by thanking the film festival and exiting the stage to thunderous applause Friday night. He was supposed to accept the award last year, but was forced to postpone because of the SAG-AFTRA actors' strike.

The 72nd San Sebastian Film Festival, inaugurated with Audrey Diwan Emmanuellewill take place from 20 to 28 September.

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