Javier Bardem Tearfully Honors Wife Penélope Cruz During Emotional San Sebastian Lifetime Achievement Speech

Spanish cinema icon Javier Bardem became emotional on Friday night as he paid tribute to his wife, Penélope Cruz, while accepting the Donostia Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 San Sebastian Film Festival.

Javier Bardem, acclaimed for his performances in Dune: Part Two, No Country for Old Men—which earned him an Academy Award—and Skyfall, as well as renowned Spanish films like Huevos de Oro and El Detective y la Muerte, received the prestigious Donostia Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 San Sebastian Film Festival. The honor was presented to him by his siblings, Monica and Carlos Bardem, who offered a heartfelt tribute during the opening night gala at the Kursaal Theater.

During his poignant speech, Bardem reflected on his long-standing relationship with the festival. He referenced his Silver Shell win for Best Actor exactly 30 years ago in 1994, saying, “It was the beginning of a great friendship with this beautiful film festival that has given so much to me personally and professionally.”

Bardem expressed deep gratitude towards his family, emphasizing their unwavering support throughout his career. “San Sebastian is a place where 30 years ago I won an award that I still don’t believe they gave it to me, and I’m here now receiving this one from my brother and sister who I love and admire,” he stated. He continued, “They educated me at a moment my mother had to be working 24 hours a day. … If I’m alive physically, not only spiritually and emotionally, it was my brother and sister taking care of me, giving me their attention and love.”

Dedication was a central theme of his speech. Bardem dedicated the award to four important people in his life: “I want to dedicate this award to four people: My mother, who is present, she’s here in the theater and she’s happy, I can feel that.”

The audience was particularly moved when Bardem spoke about his wife, Penélope Cruz, whom he married in 2010. “And to a woman who I love and who I’ve shared a life with, I want to thank and give my deep gratitude for the human being you are and how you can be responsible for life, the life of your children, the life of your family, your mother, your friends, the life of others, the many people that you don’t know that you suffer for and you take care of and undoubtedly the life of this gentleman who’s here, who loves you and thanks you very much for it.” He quickly thanked their two children, Leo and Luna, further highlighting the importance of family in his life.

Penélope Cruz smiled warmly at Javier as he blew kisses towards her seat. The power couple had arrived hand-in-hand on the red carpet for the event, embodying their strong bond and mutual support.

Bardem concluded his heartfelt speech by thanking the San Sebastian Film Festival and exited the stage to raucous applause on Friday evening. This Lifetime Achievement Award was particularly significant as he was originally scheduled to receive it the previous year but had to delay due to the SAG-AFTRA actors strike.

Javier Bardem’s emotional tribute underscored the profound impact of family and support in his illustrious career, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed his heartfelt moment.

Watch the memorable acceptance speech below 👇👇👇