Spanish national hero Javier Bardem became emotional on Friday night as he gushed about his wife Penélope Cruz while accepting the Donostia Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 San Sebastian Film Festival.
Bardem, who played leading roles in Dune – Part Two, No country for old men — for which he received an Oscar — and Skyfallamong countless celebrated Spanish projects such as Golden Eggs And The Detective and Deathaccepted the award from his siblings Monica and Carlos Bardem, who paid tribute to their brother during the opening gala at the Kursaal Theater.
Bardem was referring to his Silver Shell win for best actor almost exactly 30 years ago, in 1994. “It was the beginning of a great friendship with this wonderful film festival that has given me so much personally and professionally,” the actor said.
“In San Sebastián 30 years ago I won an award that I still can’t believe I even got. And now I’m here receiving it from my brother and sister, whom I love and admire.” He took the opportunity to pay tribute to his family: “They raised me at a time when my mother had to work 24 hours a day. … As long as I’ve been alive physically, and not just mentally and emotionally, my brother and sister have taken care of me and given me their attention and love.”
He added: “I would like to dedicate this award to four people: my mother, who is here, she is here in the theater and she is happy, I can feel that.”
But the loudest coos in the audience came when Bardem spoke candidly about his love for his wife Cruz, whom he married in 2010: “And to a woman I love and with whom I have shared my life, I want to express my thanks and my deep gratitude for the person you are and for how you can take responsibility for life, the lives of your children, the lives of your family, your mother, your friends, the lives of others, the lives of the many people you don’t know, for whom you suffer and for whom you care, and undoubtedly for 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 walked hand-in-hand onto the event’s red carpet.
Bardem ended his speech by thanking the film festival and left the stage on Friday evening to thunderous applause. He was supposed to accept the award last year, but had to postpone it due to the SAG-AFTRA actors’ strike.
The 72nd San Sebastian Film Festival, opened with Audrey Diwans Emmanuelleruns from 20 to 28 September.
