“The woman I love”

Seven minutes of speech. Applause, hugs and tears. Javier Bardem, honoured at the San Sebastian Festival Opening Gala with the 2023 Donostia Award, had words of affection and gratitude for his mother Pilar Bardem, who passed away in 2021. Also, for his love, Penelope, for his children and for his brothers. They all cried.

Before, he began by drawing on memory. He spoke of “the year 93 and ‘Golden Eggs’ and of “that baptism that was the poster touching my balls. My God, what have I done!“, he recalled. He had words for Bigas Luna, “the origin” of everything. “All the people I love have passed through this festival. My mother. Mom. For her presence in our hearts showing us the way to ethics…”. Pilar Bardem, he said, “is here, in this theatre. She is present.”

“I received this award from my brothers, whom I love, adore, admire and thank because they raised me because my mother had to work 26 out of 24 hours a day. If I am alive, it is because they were giving me their love,” he revealed to Monica, who burst into tears, and Carlos.

“Leo and Luna, I love you”

And now it’s Penelope’s turn to love her. “A woman I love, with whom I share my life…” She let five emphatic seconds of silence pass (interrupted by applause and cheers) to add a deep gratitude “for the human being that you are, for how you take responsibility for life, for your children, your family, your mother, your friends… for the lives of others, for those you care for. And of course, for the life of this man who loves you, who wants you and thanks you,” she said with a broken voice and misty eyes.

Then came the love for their children, Leo and Luna, “two wonderful human beings.” “Being able to care for them, guide them, teach them not to betray themselves, to be honest with what they want, as long as they don’t hurt anyone. And because they are teaching us to be better people and better parents every day. Leo and Luna, I love you.”