Pedro Almodovar to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at San Sebastian Film Festival

Oscar-winning Spanish director Pedro Almodovar is set to be honored with a lifetime achievement award at the upcoming San Sebastian Film Festival, scheduled for September 26. The festival organizers announced on August 14 that Almodovar, 74, will receive the prestigious Donostia award for his "extraordinary contributions to the world of cinema." The award ceremony will take place before the screening of his first English-language feature, *The Room Next Door*, which stars Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore. Swinton, who previously collaborated with Almodovar on the short film *The Human Voice*, will present the award. The festival organizers highlighted Almodovar's remarkable ability to craft compelling female characters and his bold exploration of themes such as the LGBTIQ+ community, religion, and historical memory. They commended his artistic talent and distinctive visual style, noting that his personality is evident in every aspect of his work, from art direction to soundtrack. Almodovar's films have garnered multiple Oscars, including the Best Foreign Language Film for *All About My Mother* in 1999 and a screenwriting Oscar for *Talk to Her* in 2002. Expressing his gratitude, Almodovar remarked, "This year they are giving it to me, and I am delighted and grateful. I mean it, it's an honor." He emphasized the significance of San Sebastian as a city that celebrates cinema with great enthusiasm. In addition to Almodovar, Australian actress Cate Blanchett will also receive the Donostia award at this year's festival, which runs from September 20 to 28, further solidifying its status as a premier event in the Spanish-speaking film industry.