Jennifer Lawrence became the youngest recipient of the Premio Donostia Award at the San Sebastian International Film Festival, where she used her platform to warn that “our freedom of speech is under attack in the United States.”
The 35-year-old Oscar winner, honoured for a career spanning global hits like The Hunger Games, Don’t Look Up and The Bright Side of Things, also presented her latest film Kill Me Love, which she co-produced. Speaking to young filmmakers, she urged perseverance and highlighted the importance of watching films as inspiration.
Reflecting on women’s roles in Hollywood, Lawrence praised directors such as Greta Gerwig for proving that more opportunities lead to richer, more diverse storytelling. With her production company Excellent Cadaver, she has supported socially impactful projects including Bread & Roses, winner of a Peabody Award.
This year’s festival was marked by political protest, especially solidarity with Palestine. From the opening day, thousands marched with “Free Palestine” slogans, while stars including Pedro Almodóvar, Juliette Binoche and Eduard Fernández used the stage to denounce what they called genocide in Gaza.
Lawrence’s award joins a list of past Donostia recipients such as Penélope Cruz and Julia Roberts, in a festival that this year blended cinematic celebration with outspoken political activism.
