San Sebastián Film Festival 2026: a Star-studded Celebration Ahead

WHO:

Variety - Penelope Cruz is described as the busiest star of the festival.

Variety - Brad Pitt returns to the festival with the film "Heart of the Beast."

Variety - Brad Pitt, Penelope Cruz, Naomi Watts, José Luis Rebordinos, Maialen Beloki

Deadline - José Luis Rebordinos, Maialen Beloki

WHAT:

Variety - The festival features a total of 263 projects from 47 countries in its official lineup.

Deadline - The festival is expected to bring together around 150 participating Catalan companies this year.

Variety - The festival features a total of 263 projects from 47 countries, showcasing a mix of established filmmakers and new talent.

Deadline - The festival is expected to bring together a significant number of Catalan companies, with around 150 participating this year.

Variety - The festival features a total of 263 projects from 47 countries, showcasing a mix of established filmmakers and new talent.

Variety - The festival is expected to bring together a significant number of Catalan companies, with around 150 participating this year.

Deadline - This year’s festival features a mix of established filmmakers and new talent, showcasing 263 projects from 47 countries.

Deadline - This year’s festival features a total of 263 projects from 47 countries.

Variety - The San Sebastián Film Festival features 263 projects from 47 countries in its official lineup.

Deadline - This year marks the 74th edition of the San Sebastián International Film Festival.

Deadline - José Luis Rebordinos is stepping down as festival director after 17 years.

WHERE:

Variety - The San Sebastián Film Festival is one of the principal draws for films from Catalonia, which accounts for a significant portion of the films presented.

Variety - The festival takes place in San Sebastián, located in the Basque Country, Spain.

WHEN:

Variety - The San Sebastián Film Festival runs from September 18-26, 2026.

Deadline - Maialen Beloki will take over as festival director in January 2027.

WHY:

Deadline - José Luis Rebordinos stated, “What surprises me the most is how much the festival has grown” during his tenure.

Deadline - José Luis Rebordinos stated, “Maialen is a highly qualified professional” regarding the transition of festival leadership.

Deadline - José Luis Rebordinos stated, “What surprises me the most is how much the festival has grown.”

Deadline - José Luis Rebordinos expressed that the festival has grown significantly during his tenure.

HOW:

Deadline - The festival aims to address human rights issues through its programming.

Variety - The festival aims to highlight the emerging generation of filmmakers and TV creatives from Catalonia, reflecting a shift in ambition and scale in the industry.

Deadline - The festival aims to address human rights issues through its programming.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 21:59 UTC)

The upcoming festival will showcase an impressive lineup of 263 projects from 47 countries, with around 150 Catalan companies expected to participate this year. José Luis Rebordinos expressed his amazement at the festival's growth during his time in charge. This year's programming will focus on addressing important human rights issues, highlighting the festival's commitment to social change.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 18:59 UTC)

The upcoming festival will showcase an impressive total of 263 projects from 47 countries, featuring a blend of established filmmakers and emerging talent. Around 150 Catalan companies are expected to participate, highlighting the growing influence of the region's film industry. José Luis Rebordinos emphasized the importance of this transition in leadership, praising Maialen as a highly qualified professional to guide the festival's future direction.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 14:58 UTC)

The upcoming festival will showcase a remarkable total of 263 projects from 47 countries, highlighting both established filmmakers and emerging talent. Around 150 Catalan companies are expected to participate this year, making it a significant event for the local industry. Festival director José Luis Rebordinos praised the new leadership, stating, “Maialen is a highly qualified professional.”

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 13:03 UTC)

Penelope Cruz has been named the busiest star at this year's San Sebastián Film Festival, which showcases an impressive 263 projects from 47 countries, featuring both established filmmakers and new talent. The festival is a major attraction for films from Catalonia, highlighting the region's significant contribution to the cinematic landscape. It aims to spotlight the emerging generation of filmmakers and TV creatives from Catalonia, reflecting a notable shift in ambition and scale within the industry.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 11:57 UTC)

Brad Pitt is making a return to the festival with his new film "Heart of the Beast." This year's event showcases an impressive total of 263 projects from 47 different countries. Festival director José Luis Rebordinos expressed his amazement at the festival's growth, stating, “What surprises me the most is how much the festival has grown.”

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 05:58 UTC)

The San Sebastián International Film Festival is set to showcase 263 projects from 47 countries during its 74th edition, running from September 18 to 26, 2026, in the Basque Country, Spain. After 17 years of leadership, José Luis Rebordinos will step down as festival director, with Maialen Beloki taking over in January 2027. The festival continues its commitment to addressing human rights issues through its diverse programming.