In the run-up to the ceremony, he gave a review of politics and culture to a group of journalists, and took the opportunity to criticize the extreme right wing that denies climate change, defend immigration and euthanasia.
He was categorical in stressing that immigrants bring many benefits to Spain and Europe, and stigmatizing them, particularly unaccompanied minors, is absurd.
He confessed to being moved to tears at the San Sebastian Film Festival, coinciding with his 75th birthday, and acknowledged that “I never thought about my talent. I thought that I have a vocation (…) and if I don’t manage to make a film, I’ll be the most unfortunate person in the universe.”
He took the opportunity to recall that 44 years ago he presented his first film “Pepi, Luci, Bom and Other Girls Like Me” at Zinemaldia, as the festival is also known.
Almodóvar was especially grateful that the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, recently arrived from New York, was present at the presentation of his award, which, according to his words, demonstrates his support for culture.
“I have had a career of 23 films, some better than others, and all of them are mine and belong to me (…) and that is a privilege,” he added.
Tilda Swinton, one of the protagonists of the Spanish filmmaker’s latest film, The Room Next Door, stressed that working with Almodóvar has been a “magical blessing in her life.”
A new award that comes just after winning the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, which he added to his many awards showcases with two Oscars, five Goyas, five Baftas, four Césars and the Spanish National Film Award.
In the final stretch of Zinemaldia, which concludes this Saturday with the awards evening, Hard Truths, by British director Mike Leigh, with actress Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Conclave, by German Edward Berger, have already been presented in official competition for the Golden Shell.
Also, On Falling, by Portuguese director Laura Carreira; Le dernier souffle, by Greek-French director Costa-Gavras; Emmanuelle, by French director Audrey Diwan; Live the Moment, by Irish director Jonh Crowley; Boound in Heaven, by Chinese director Xin Hijo; El lugar de la otra, by Chilean director Maite Alberdi, among others.
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