Naomi Watts receives Donostia Award in San Sebastián and presents The Housewife

Recognition at the 74th festival

British actress Naomi Watts received the second Donostia Award of the 74th San Sebastián International Film Festival on 19 September 2026. The honorary award recognizes a career spanning four decades across independent cinema and studio productions. Watts noted that receiving the award at age 57 represents a privilege after decades of persistent work. Her filmography includes collaborations with directors David Lynch, Peter Jackson, David Cronenberg, Clint Eastwood, Alejandro González Iñárritu, and Juan Antonio Bayona. Watts earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in Bayona's production The Impossible, having earlier received a nomination for Iñárritu's 21 Grams.

Early rejections and career breakthrough

Watts reflected during the festival press conference on her initial difficulties breaking into the American film industry after moving from Australia. Before her casting in David Lynch's 2001 film Mulholland Drive at age 31, casting directors repeatedly rejected her during auditions. She explained that she felt exhausted and lacked confidence during those early tryouts. Lynch chose her for the lead role, transforming her professional trajectory.

“David Lynch was able to see past the layers I had created for myself and gave me the role of my life. I owe him a lot, David Lynch will be in my heart forever.”

Screening of The Housewife

At the festival, Watts presented the feature film The Housewife, directed by Ben Shirinian, which screened out of competition. She attended the presentation alongside Shirinian, co-star Lena Olin, cinematographer Michael Merriman, and producers Robbie Brenner, Lee Broda, and Kevin Mckeon. Written by Alyssa Hill, the film is based on a true story set in New York in 1964. Watts portrays a seemingly conventional suburban housewife who conceals a past identity as a guard in a Nazi concentration camp. Watts explained that the character's duality created fear and hesitation before accepting the role, describing the part as one of the most complex of her career.

Industry aging and social commentary

Watts addressed ageism within the film industry, recalling that early in her career she was warned that opportunities for women would disappear after age 40. She noted encouraging developments in television and film, pointing to the Emmy awards held the prior week where multiple women over 50 competed in top categories. She stated that audiences require diverse stories and that cinema remains an effective tool to examine human psychology.

“I continue trying to play interesting roles, alter narratives, change ways of thinking, and help the human psyche understand itself better through my work.”

Watts arrived in San Sebastián on 18 September 2026 at the Hotel María Cristina ahead of the festival opening. During her appearance, she also answered questions regarding the United States, where she lives with her American children. She described the current political atmosphere as complicated, pointed to an increase in societal hatred, and expressed confidence that conditions will resolve over time.