Culture

Naomi Watts to receive prestigious Donostia Award at 74th San Sebastián International Film Festival

The two-time Oscar nominee marks her return to the Basque festival on 19 September alongside the screening of her latest feature film, The Housewife

Naomi Watts, during her visit to the San Sebastián Film Festival in 2009. (José Mari López)

Alberto Moyano

03/09/2026 a las 18:21h.

At a glance

Gala Presentation: British actress Naomi Watts will collect the Donostia Award on 19 September during the 74th San Sebastián International Film Festival.
Featured Screening: The ceremony will feature a presentation screening of Ben Shirinian’s directorial feature debut, The Housewife (The Perfect Wife), in which Watts stars.
Festival Honors: Watts is the second and final Donostia Award honouree confirmed for this year’s 74th edition, following the earlier announcement of German film director Werner Herzog.
Career Milestone: The award coincides with 40 years since Watts made her screen debut in Solo por amor, spanning a career of more than 50 productions.
Festival Return: This marks her official return to San Sebastián after her 2009 appearance with Mother and Child.

British actress Naomi Watts will receive the Donostia Award on 19 September, marking her return to the San Sebastián International Film Festival after appearing at ... the event in 2009 with Mother and Child.

Watts could have returned to the festival two years ago with the remake of Emmanuelle, but the visit never materialised. This time, she will attend with Ben Shirinian’s The Housewife (The Perfect Wife), which will be screened as the Donostia Award presentation.

The announcement follows the festival’s decision several weeks ago to give a Donostia Award to German director Werner Herzog. Watts will be the second recipient of the distinction at this year’s 74th edition, with no further recipients planned.

The British actress fits the profile of a popular star whose presence is keenly sought by both audiences and the city. Her filmography has combined commercial successes such as The Impossible, King Kong and The Ring with films that have become favourites among cinephiles, including Mulholland Drive, 21 Grams and Emmanuelle.

Watts has worked in more than 50 productions during a career spanning a wide range of roles and styles. This year also marks 40 years since her film debut in ‘Solo por amor’.

The Housewife

The Housewife (The Perfect Wife) is Shirinian’s first feature film and stars Watts alongside Tye Sheridan, Luke Evans, Michael Imperioli and Lena Olin.

Set in 1964 and based on a true story, it follows a young journalist who discovers that a suspected former Nazi is living in hiding in New York. He subsequently befriends the main suspect’s charming wife.

Alongside her acting career, Watts is a prominent activist and philanthropist involved in a range of charitable causes, including cancer awareness, children’s rights and environmental protection. She has also served as an ambassador for the Red Cross since 2006 and has taken part in several fundraising campaigns for the organisation.