Z365" or "Festival all year round" is the new strategic point of the Festival in which converge investigation, accompaniment and development of new talents (Ikusmira Berriak, Nest); training and cinematic knowledge transfer (Elías Querejeta Zine Eskola, Zinemaldia + Plus, Filmmakers' dialogue); and investigation, disclosure and cinematic thought (Z70 project, Thought and Discussion and Research and publications).
Julia Roberts was presented with this year’s Donosti Award by Javier Bardem at a ceremony held last night in the Kursaal. Bardem stressed how she had created some marvellous characters while working with some of the very best directors in a wide variety of both comic and dramatic roles. He said it was rare to have such versatility and that he was really envious of her in a healthy way for her generosity and ability to take risks. However what was most important for him was Julia Roberts the person: “someone who reminds you of the keys to our job: not taking yourself too seriously but enjoying yourself.”
After picking up the award Julia Roberts joked, “I watched all that and thought what a lucky girl I’ve been for such a variety of reasons.” She praised Javier Bardem as one of the most amazing people you could be friends with and had warm words for San Sebastián: “the most enthusiastic town I’ve ever been in.” She used an anonymous quote about a fool-proof method for sculpting an elephant to illustrate her own career. “You take a block of marble and then chip away everything that doesn’t look like an elephant. This award makes me realise I chipped away all the right bits”.