Jennifer Lawrence became the youngest recipient of the Donostia Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival, where she used the moment to defend freedom of expression. The 35-year-old Oscar winner 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.”
At the festival, Lawrence presented her new film Kill Me Love, which she also produced, and encouraged young filmmakers to persist: “Learn, go to casting tests, keep trying. But above all, watching films is very important.” She also praised women in Hollywood, citing Greta Gerwig as proof that “when we are given the opportunity, the world benefits, because more stories are told and there are more perspectives.”
The 73rd edition of the festival was marked by strong political gestures in support of Palestine. Protests outside the opening saw thousands chant “Free Palestine,” while inside, filmmakers and actors repeatedly condemned what they called genocide in Gaza. Juliette Binoche, Jafar Panahi, Pedro Almodóvar and others joined calls for an end to the violence, turning the event into both a cinematic celebration and a platform for activism.
Lawrence joins past Donostia winners such as Penélope Cruz, Julia Roberts and Viggo Mortensen, adding her voice to a festival that highlighted both artistic achievement and urgent global causes.
