Jennifer Lawrence was honoured with the prestigious Donostia Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival, becoming the youngest performer to receive it at 35. Reflecting on her career and the state of culture in the US, Lawrence said: “Our freedom of speech is under attack in America, including in the world of film, where we realise that we are all connected and need empathy and freedom.”
The actress, who presented her new film Kill Me Love, urged young filmmakers to pursue their dreams and stressed the importance of watching films. She also highlighted the impact of female creators such as Greta Gerwig, noting that when women are given opportunities, “more stories are told and there are more perspectives.”
Lawrence, who won an Oscar in 2012 for The Bright Side of Things and starred in titles including The Hunger Games and Don’t Look Up, has also backed projects with her company Excellent Cadaver, producing films like Causeway and documentaries such as Bread & Roses.
Her award ceremony took place amid a festival marked by political protest, with repeated calls from filmmakers and actors to stop the war in Gaza and support Palestine. Demonstrations, speeches, and symbolic acts underscored San Sebastian’s role this year not only in celebrating cinema but also in amplifying urgent political causes.
