26/09/2006

Seventy-seven year-old Swedish actor Max Von Sydow has received the Donostia Award in the San Sebastian International Film Festival in honour of his nearly 60-year career.

Von Sydow - who has made over 100 films and worked with several master filmmakers, from Ingmar Bergman to Lars Von Trier, from John Huston to Woody Allen – expressed his gratitude and happiness for being awarded in a country he admires.

"Spain has been very important to the film industry. I have a great admiration and respect for the works of Spain's biggest directors, both present and past", said the actor, who has worked twice in Spain. He first appeared in José Antonio de la Loma's Jugando con la muerte (1982) and then in Juan Carlos Fresnadillo's Intacto (2001).

The Donostia Awards were created in 1986 by the film festival in order to pay homage to illustrious film personalities. This year, the second Donostia Award will be given to US actor Matt Dillon. The ceremony is set for Friday, September 29.