San Sebastian International Film Festival

The 2026 edition of the festival will feature a competition with 17 films vying for the Golden Shell prize in the official section, overseen by a jury led by US director Ira Sachs. Notable films in the running include Pablo Larrain's mini-series "My Sad Dead," Jesse Eisenberg's "The Debut," Fred Cavaye's adaptation of "Les Miserables," and Diego Luna's "Ashes." The festival also highlights emerging talent through its New Directors section, which includes an official invitation for director Yoon Dan-bi's film, "The First World," a competition category for directors' first or second feature films.

A significant part of the festival is the presentation of the Donostia Award, honoring lifetime achievement in cinema. This year, British actor Naomi Watts and veteran German director Werner Herzog are slated to receive the award. Watts, 57, has been recognized for her nearly four-decade career and commitment to challenging roles. The event is expected to draw a range of international stars, including Brad Pitt, Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, Orlando Bloom, Ricardo Darin, Jeremy Irons, Rami Malek, and Diego Luna. Additionally, out-of-competition screenings will feature films like David Ayer's "Heart of the Beast," represented by Brad Pitt.

Throughout the nine-day event, the northern Spanish coastal city transforms into a global hub for the film industry. The festival's program includes press conferences and red-carpet premieres, celebrating both established icons and new voices in cinema.