Naomi Watts is set to receive the Donostia Award at the 2026 San Sebastián Film Festival, with the tribute scheduled for Saturday, 19 September, according to Noticias de Gipuzkoa. The award recognizes her career in film, which includes a breakthrough role in David Lynch's Mulholland Drive.
Speaking at the festival, Watts said narratives in Hollywood are changing and that she is glad to be part of that shift, Cadena SER reports. She also addressed broader global concerns, telling El País that hatred is growing and that what is happening in the world is frightening.
Reflecting on her career, Watts said she faced rejection before Mulholland Drive and credited Lynch with giving her the role of her life, according to RTVE.es. Vanitatis reports that she once came close to giving up acting before going on to build a lasting career, and notes she now balances her work with two children and a second marriage.
The Donostia Award is the San Sebastián Film Festival's highest honor, presented to figures with major international careers. Watts' recognition places her among the festival's distinguished recipients.
Watts' full remarks and the award ceremony are expected to draw further coverage as the festival continues.