# San Sebastián 2026 Film Festival Highlights

> Brad Pitt, Penélope Cruz and Spanish cinema shine at San Sebastián 2026.
- Title: San Sebastián 2026 Film Festival Highlights · Variety
- Summary: Brad Pitt, Penélope Cruz and Spanish cinema shine at San Sebastián 2026. Brad Pitt returns to San Sebastián with 'Heart of the Beast' while Penélope Cruz…
- Keywords: san sebastian, brad pitt, penelope cruz, les mis, los javis, pablo larraín, spencer, javier bardem, naomi watts, werner herzog, entertainment, culture
- Source: Variety — https://variety.com/2026/film/global/les-mis-los-javis-brad-pitt-penelope-cruz-san-sebastian-1236847674
- Author: John Hopewell
- Published: 2026-09-18T05:11:16+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: san sebastian, brad pitt, penelope cruz, les mis, los javis, pablo larraín, spencer, javier bardem, naomi watts, werner herzog, entertainment, culture
## Festival Returns
San Sebastián film festival opens Sept. 18.
## Brad Pitt Returns
Pitt returns with 'Heart of the Beast' after 'Inglourious Basterds'.
## Penélope Cruz
Cruz leads Oscar contenders with 'The Invite' and 'La Bola Negra'.
## Javier Bardem
Bardem expected at festival for Rodrigo Sorogoyen's 'The Beloved'.
## Naomi Watts
Watts receives Donostia Award Sept. 19.
## Werner Herzog
Herzog picks up German cinema award at opening ceremony.
## Key takeaway

Brad Pitt returns to San Sebastián with 'Heart of the Beast' while Penélope Cruz leads Oscar contenders at the festival.