It wasn’t just an award: it was also an opportunity to say out loud something Javier Bardem has been making clear about Penélope Cruz for years.
During his speech upon receiving the Donostia Award, the actor wanted to focus on the woman with whom he shares his life and did not limit himself to thanking her as his partner. He spoke of her as a mother, daughter, friend, artist, and as someone who, according to him, cares deeply about the people close to her.
“I want to dedicate it to a woman I love and with whom I share my life”, he began, before thanking her “for the human being you are” and for the way she takes responsibility for the lives of her children, her family, her friends, and even people she does not know personally.
Bardem finished the dedication by looking directly at her and telling her that he loves her, cherishes her, and is grateful to her.
And perhaps that is what draws the most attention about them: even when one of them is receiving recognition, they always find a way to put into words the admiration they feel for the other.