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The San Sebastián International Film Festival (SSIFF) is a cinematic gem tucked away in the stunning coastal city of Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain. 

Every September, this festival lights up the Basque Country with the glitz and glamour of global cinema. But it’s not just the location that makes this event a must-see... it is one of only 14 "A" category film festivals in the world, rubbing shoulders with heavyweights like Cannes and Venice.

Since its inception in 1953, the festival has showcased some of the most iconic moments in film history, including the European premiere of Star Wars and the international unveiling of Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo, with the director himself in attendance. Over the years, it has also launched the careers of legendary filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola, Pedro Almodóvar, and Bong Joon-ho. Despite its world-class status, SSIFF maintains a unique, laid-back vibe that blends the excitement of big premieres with the charm of local Basque culture.

This year at the San Sebastián International Film Festival (SSIFF), Cate Blanchett was honoured with the prestigious Donostia Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her incredible contributions to the film industry. Blanchett became visibly emotional as she accepted this latest accolade on stage, adding yet another milestone to her stellar career. She shared the spotlight with two other cinematic powerhouses: Spanish actor Javier Bardem and legendary filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, who were also celebrated this year.

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The Donostia Award has a rich history of being given to some of the most iconic stars in film history, including Bette Davis, Lauren Bacall and Meryl Streep. Scroll on to see Cate's stunning acceptance outfit as well as some of the other incredible gowns and ensembles that graced the San Sebastián red carpet this year...

San Sebastian Film Festival 2024 Best Dressed:

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Isabelle Huppert in a shiny black suit with a boxy silhouette, accessorized with oversized sunglasses and a silver necklace. The background is a red carpet event in a historic urban setting.© Carlos Alvarez

Isabelle Huppert

Isabelle Huppert's all-black ensemble she wore to attend the Yeohaengjaui Pilyo premiere was pure sophistication with a hint of rock ‘n’ roll edge. The sequin-adorned, oversized blazer and matching wide-leg pants shimmered under the lights, exuding a laid-back-luxe vibe. Pairing it with statement heart-shaped necklace and chunky sunglasses, the look balanced boldness with timeless elegance.

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Johnny Depp in a light blue three-piece suit with a white open-collared shirt. They wear round sunglasses, have long dark hair, and are photographed near a black vehicle at night.© JB Lacroix

Johnny Depp

Channeling retro charm with a modern twist, Johnny Depp's sky-blue suit oozed laid-back confidence. The loose-fit, three-piece played with soft tailoring, while the crisp white shirt, left open-collared, added a relaxed vibe. The finishing touches? Round, tinted sunglasses and a casual swagger that made this look feel anything but formal. It was the perfect look to usher in his new film Modi - Three Days on the Wings of Madness which he is directing.



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Olivia Baglivi stands on an outdoor platform in front of the ocean. They wear a pastel plaid romper with a yellow chunky knit cardigan and cream-colored flats. Sunglasses complete the beachy look.© Europa Press Entertainment

Olivia Baglivi

Olivia Baglivi's look combined carefree beach vibes with a touch of vintage charm. Her oversized yellow knit cardigan, full of texture and slouch-appeal, was draped effortlessly over a pastel plaid romper, creating a playful contrast. Chanel flats added a chic, understated touch. Topped off with angular black sunglasses, this outfit perfectly captured her breezy, eclectic aesthetic.

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Penélope Cruz wears white lace Chanel gown, featuring a black bow accent for contrast. The sheer, textured details gave it a vintage yet modern feel, while the fit-and-flare silhouette offered a flattering shape.© Carlos Alvarez

Penélope Cruz

Romantic vibes were in full swing as Penélope Cruz attended the opening ceremony of the 72nd San Sebastian International Film Festival. The actress donned white lace gown, featuring a black bow accent for contrast. The sheer, textured details gave it a vintage feel, not to mention the fit-and-flare silhouette. Paired with minimal accessories and beach waves, this look was all about understated elegance.

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Cate Blanchett wears intricately embroidered gown shimmered with all-over embellishments. The high neck and full sleeves added a regal touch, while the delicate sheer fabric created an ethereal vibe.© Carlos Alvarez

Cate Blanchett

A true golden goddess moment, Cate Blanchett attended the Rumours premiere in an intricately embroidered gown that shimmered with all-over embellishments. The high neck and full sleeves added a regal touch, while the sheer fabric created an ethereal vibe. This red carpet look was nothing short of enchanting,.

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Lupita Nyong'o stands elegantly on the red carpet, wearing a stunning red lace gown with a corset-style bodice and sheer skirt. She holds a small red handbag and accessorizes with a choker and a rose at her neck.© Europa Press Entertainment

Lupita Nyong’o

 Lupita Nyong’o truly turned heads when she stepped out for her screening of The Wild Robot at Teatro Victoria Eugenia. Her red lace Dolce & Gabbana corset gown was bold and fierce. The sheer lace detail and flowing skirt added softness, while the structured bodice brought in a strong, seductive edge. Paired with a rose flower choker, it was a stunning mix of romantic and daring.

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Macarena García wears emerald-green satin dress with a daring midriff cutout was all about drama and flow With long sleeves and an asymmetrical hemline© JB Lacroix

Macarena García

Macarena García's emerald-green satin dress with a daring midriff cutout was all about drama and flow. With long sleeves and an asymmetrical hemline, it perfectly combined elegance with just the right amount of edge.

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Mireia Oriol wears  textured pink floral mini dress brought a fresh, spring-like feel to the red carpet. The pastel color palette, paired with white tights and black accents on the shoes, made it whimsical yet refined. The structured cape-style top gave it a vintage nod, while keeping things ultra-modern.© Carlos Alvarez

Mireia Oriol

Mireia Oriol attends the Soy Nevenka premiere in a sweet yet sophisticated, textured pink floral mini dress. The pastel colour palette, paired with white tights and black accents on the shoes, made it whimsical yet refined, while the structured cape-style top gave it a vintage nod.

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Actress Alba Planas wears  ensemble featured a high-fashion black lace top with voluminous ruffled sleeves, balanced by tailored black trousers. The structured yet soft textures created a dynamic contrast, making the look both playful and serious. The unexpected addition of a stylish greyhound companion made this moment even more memorable.© Carlos Alvarez

Alba Planas

Edgy, dramatic, and slightly gothic, Alba Planas' ensemble featured a high-fashion black lace top with voluminous ruffled sleeves, balanced by tailored black trousers. The structured yet soft textures created a dynamic contrast, making the look both playful and serious for the La Virgen Roja premiere.



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Actress Chacha Huang wears eye-graphic mini dress  The black mesh overlay gave the print a sheer, futuristic twist, paired with white tights and metallic heels. © Carlos Alvarez

Chacha Huang

Chacha Huang fused bold artistry with a modern silhouette, in this graphic mini dress at the Emmanuelle photocall. The black mesh overlay gave the eye-print a sheer, futuristic twist. Paired with white tights and metallic heels, her look felt streetwear-inspired with a dash of runway-ready glamour.

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Macarena García wears cropped Dior knit sweater and classic wide-leg dark denim. This effortless outfit blended high fashion with laid-back vibes, perfect for a seaside event. © Carlos Alvarez

Macarena García

Macarena García elevated casual chic to new heights with this The Dior knit and classic wide-leg dark denim. Her effortless outfit with its laid-back vibes, was perfect for her seaside photocall, topped off with a timeless Lady Dior handbag.

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Lupita Nyong'o wears a  fitted brown knit dress with a subtle floral design hugged every curve in the most flattering way. The spaghetti straps and minimalistic design were elevated by a unique, almost abstract floral motif. © JB Lacroix

Lupita Nyong'o

Simple but stunning, Lupita Nyong'o attended  The Wild Robot photocall in a fitted brown knit dress from PH5. The spaghetti straps and minimalistic design were elevated by a unique, almost abstract trompe-l’oeil and floral motif.

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Patricia Lopez Arnaiz wears chic black tank paired with high-waisted, wide-leg cream trousers© Carlos Alvarez

Patricia Lopez Arnaiz

Effortless minimalism took center stage with Patricia Lopez Arnaiz's chic black tank paired with high-waisted, wide-leg cream trousers. The contrasting hues made this outfit pop, while the relaxed tailoring kept it polished yet comfortable.

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Mariela Garriga wears structured long-sleeve top featured a pointed white collar, embellished for an extra touch of glamour. Paired with high-waisted, flared trousers, the look balanced simplicity and sophistication.© Juan Naharro Gimenez

Mariela Garriga

Mariela Garriga attended the Cuando Nadie Nos Ve in a sleek all-black ensemble that exuded serious Wednesday Addams vibes. The structured long-sleeve top featured a pointed white collar, embellished for an extra touch of glamour. It was a masterclass in monochrome, showing that minimalism can make just as bold a statement.

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