Cate Blanchett was deeply moved as she accepted the prestigious Donostia Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival, receiving a heartfelt video tribute from actor and friend George Clooney. The Australian actress, celebrated for her powerful performances on the global stage, was visibly emotional during the ceremony, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Held at the Kursaal Theater, Blanchett was surprised and touched by the recognition, which honors her outstanding contribution to film. Clooney, who couldn’t attend in person due to prior commitments in Venice, delivered a warm and playful video message. “There’s acting as a profession, and then there’s acting as an art. We recognize that art… I’ve been lucky enough to direct you and to act with you, and you always make everyone around you feel lucky,” Clooney praised her.
In true Clooney fashion, he added a humorous twist, admitting he wasn’t wearing pants during his video tribute, which brought laughter to the audience and added a lighthearted touch to the ceremony.
In her acceptance speech, Blanchett reflected on her international career and the honor of receiving the award. “As an Australian working abroad, I’ve had the privilege of transcending many bodies… It has taken me all over the world and here now in Basque country, at this extraordinarily vibrant festival,” she said, expressing her gratitude for the recognition.
Blanchett also touched upon a pressing global concern in her speech, highlighting the dangers of certainty in today’s world. “It’s bewildering to me that there seems to be a lot of certainty, a lot of righteousness and a lack of doubt in the world… I worry that we’re trying to find answers too quickly, and it’s this uncertainty that drives me on.”
The San Sebastian Film Festival, which runs from September 20 to 28, marked Blanchett’s first visit to the event. While she has had films screened at the festival in the past, such as Babel (2007) and Veronica Guerin (2003), receiving the Donostia Award is a remarkable milestone in her career.
Blanchett joins a distinguished group of actors honored with the Donostia Award, including Hugh Jackman, who received the accolade in 2013. This year’s festival also paid tribute to Spanish cinema, recognizing esteemed figures like Javier Bardem and Pedro Almodóvar, further elevating the celebration of cinematic excellence.
