Jennifer Lawrence received the Premio Donostia 2025 Award at the San Sebastian International Film Festival, becoming the youngest performer to earn the honour. The 35-year-old actress, who already holds an Oscar and a Golden Globe, described it as “a huge honour” while warning: “Our freedom of speech is under attack in America, including in the world of film.”
Presenting her latest film Kill Me Love, Lawrence urged young filmmakers to persevere, stressing the importance of watching and making films. She also highlighted the progress of women in Hollywood, praising figures such as Greta Gerwig for broadening perspectives through their work.
Lawrence, known for The Hunger Games, Don’t Look Up and Joy, joins past Donostia winners including Penélope Cruz, Julia Roberts and Viggo Mortensen. With her company Excellent Cadaver, she has also produced socially impactful projects like Bread & Roses, honoured with a Peabody Award.
This year’s festival was heavily marked by political protest. Thousands demonstrated in support of Palestine, while prominent filmmakers and actors used their platforms to condemn the war in Gaza. From Pedro Almodóvar’s “Genocide Stop” message to Juliette Binoche’s plea to “end the massacre”, San Sebastian became a stage not only for cinema but for urgent political voices.
