Werner Herzog to Receive Donostia Award at 74th San Sebastián Film Festival
Legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog will receive the Donostia Award at the 74th San Sebastián International Film Festival, where he will also premiere his latest film, Bucking Fastard.
The 74th San Sebastián International Film Festival has announced that legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog will receive this year’s Donostia Award. The honor will be presented during the festival’s opening gala on September 18 at the Kursaal, celebrating a director whose profound influence on modern cinema has helped cement the festival’s reputation as a premier destination for European and avant-garde film.
Herzog’s visit to San Sebastián will include more than just the award ceremony. The festival will host a screening of his latest film, Bucking Fastard, at the Victoria Eugenia Theater. Following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, the film—starring Rooney Mara, Kate Mara, Orlando Bloom, and Domhnall Gleeson—delves into the complex emotional bond between twin sisters.
The award recognizes a remarkable six-decade career that includes nearly 80 films. Herzog is known for his pursuit of what he calls "ecstatic truth," moving beyond traditional documentary filmmaking to offer poetic insights into the human condition. His work, whether fiction or documentary, frequently features protagonists driven by intense impulses, often set against harsh and unforgiving landscapes.
Herzog’s path to filmmaking was unconventional. Born in 1942, he taught himself the craft while working in the steel industry to fund his early projects. After studying history and literature, he went on to create cinematic milestones such as Aguirre, the Wrath of God and Fitzcarraldo, the latter of which became famous for its challenging production in the jungle.
Beyond directing, Herzog has explored literature, opera, and acting, appearing in both major commercial films and animated series. He also founded the Rogue Film School, offering students an alternative to traditional film education. By presenting him with the Donostia Award, the festival honors a creator who has masterfully blended poetry, philosophy, and technical innovation into a unique and deeply personal body of work.