SAN SEBASTIÁN, Spain — Gia Coppola’s drama “The Last Showgirl” claimed the Special Jury Prize at the 2024 San Sebastián Film Festival, winning praise for its nuanced portrayal of the emotional landscapes navigated by characters grappling with the end of an era in their profession. The film festival, a significant event in the European cinematic calendar, took place in Spain’s Basque Country from September 20 to 28.
“The Last Showgirl” explores the life of a seasoned Las Vegas showgirl forced to rethink her future following the sudden closure of the show she had been part of for three decades. The film features an ensemble cast including Pamela Anderson, Kiernan Shipka, Brenda Song, Billie Lourd, Dave Bautista, and Jamie Lee Curtis, enhancing its appeal. Recently, Roadside Attractions secured the North American distribution rights to the film, signaling a promising future for its release in theaters.
In other top honors, the prestigious Golden Shell for Best Film was awarded to Albert Serra for his work on “Tardes de soledad” (Afternoons of Solitude), further highlighting the festival’s recognition of standout filmmaking that pushes boundaries and evokes deep emotional responses from audiences.
This year’s event also celebrated exceptional achievements across various categories. The Silver Shell for Best Director saw a tie, going to Laura Carreira for “On Falling” and Pedro Martín-Calero for “El Llanto” (The Wailing). Both directors were recognized for their unique vision and compelling directorial accomplishments that stood out in a competitive field.
Patricia López Arnaiz earned the Silver Shell for Best Leading Performance for her role in “Los Destellos” (Glimmers), which was celebrated for its powerful portrayal of complex character dynamics. The Silver Shell for Best Supporting Performance was awarded to Pierre Lotin for his role in “Quand vient l’automne” (When Fall is Coming).
Further celebrating the art of cinema, François Ozon and Philippe Piazzo received the Jury Prize for Best Screenplay for their work on “Quand vient l’automne”. Additionally, the film “Bound in Heaven” was distinguished with the Jury Prize for Best Cinematography, credited to Piao Songri, for its visually stunning and evocative imagery.
Amidst the traditional awards, the festival also spotlighted newcomers and innovative projects. The Kutxabank New Directors Award was split between Piet Baumgartner for “Bagger Drama” and Antón Álvarez for “La guitarra flamenca de Yerai Cortés”, with a special mention, recognizing their fresh perspectives in filmmaking.
The Horizontes Award went to Luis Ortega for “El Jockey” (Kill the Jockey), and the Zabaltegi-Tabakalera Award was received by Dea Kulumbegashvili for “Aprili” (April), with Jessica Sarah Rinland earning a special mention for “Monólogo colectivo” (Collective Monologue), spotlighting their significant contributions to their respective genres.
This plethora of awards underscores the festival’s role as a beacon for emerging talent and established filmmakers alike, making a mark on the international film industry by honoring exceptional storytelling that connects with diverse audiences. The San Sebastián Film Festival continues to be a vital platform for showcasing and appreciating cinematic excellence from around the globe.