Blanchett receives lifetime Donostia

Cate Blanchett greets fans in San Sebastian Photo: San Sebastian Film Festival/Inaki Luis

After Javier Bardem's heartfelt message for his wife Penelope Cruz as he accepted his Donostia award at San Sebastian Film Festival on Friday in a ceremony delayed for a year by Hollywood strikes, Australian star Cate Blanchett picked up hers at a similarly emotional ceremony.

Cate Blanchett with her Donostia Photo: San Sebastian Film Festival/Jorge Fuembuena

Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón, who has recently worked with Blanchett on the miniseries Disclaimer, presented the actor and producer with her prize after praising her for her virtuosity and highlighting her commitment to human rights causes, including refugees. Making a big impact from a distance was her friend George Clooney, who had recorded a message for her at Venice Film Festival,where his film Wolfs was playing.

Beginning by praising the star for her range and elevation of the art that he said put her in a bracket alongside the likes of Marlon Brando and Katharine Hepburn, he added: “Catie, I feel lucky that I had the chance to work with someone who is so gifted and kind, and I am proud to call you a friend."

Clooney, who has collaborated with Blanchett on films including The Monuments Men, then jokingly suggested he was drinking and had "no pants on", which is why he couldn't be there in person - a reference to the fact you could only see his top half in the video.

Blanchett in an intricate Armani gown, was visibly moved not only by Clooney's comments but by the loud and long cheering from the capacity crowd at the city's Kursaal theatre. She then dropped what might be the first F-bomb on that particular stage, as she laughed and began her speech by adding: "Fucking, George!"

She went on to adress the audience briefly in Basque - although she joked about her abilities in that department - before adding her sincere thanks to the festival, saying: "As an Australian working overseas, I have had the great privilege of crossing many borders and travelling the world. And it is an honour to receive this award in the Basque Country, in this wonderful and vibrant festival that also transcends cultural and cinematographic borders. I am very honoured."

Her speech had a philosophical air throughout, as she added: "We live in complex, uncertain times, but that is where the mind is free."

Blanchett's latest film Rumours, directed by Guy Maddin alongside Evan and Galen Johnson, is screening at the festival.