Jennifer Lawrence received the prestigious Premio Donostia 2025 Award at the San Sebastian International Film Festival, becoming the youngest performer to earn the honor at 35. The actress, known for films such as The Hunger Games and Don’t Look Up, used her platform to warn that “our freedom of speech is under attack in America, including in the world of film.”
Presenting her new film Kill Me Love, in which she also worked as a producer, Lawrence encouraged aspiring filmmakers to persist despite challenges: “Learn, go to casting tests, keep trying. But above all, watching films is very important.” She also highlighted the impact of women in Hollywood, praising directors like Greta Gerwig for bringing new perspectives to global cinema.
The award ceremony capped a politically charged festival marked by widespread demonstrations in support of Palestine. Thousands protested at the opening, while filmmakers and actors repeatedly condemned the war in Gaza during events throughout the week. Figures including Pedro Almodóvar, Juliette Binoche, and Eduard Fernández used the stage to call for an end to the violence, turning the festival into a platform for both artistic recognition and political expression.
Lawrence now joins past Donostia Award recipients such as Penélope Cruz, Julia Roberts, and Viggo Mortensen, her recognition underscoring both her acclaimed career and her willingness to speak out on cultural and political issues.
