Watts, 57, received the San Sebastián Film Festival's highest honor during a special ceremony preceding the screening of her latest film, The Housewife. Her introduction came from Spanish filmmaker J.A. Bayona, who directed Watts in the critically acclaimed 2012 disaster drama, The Impossible, which earned her a second Oscar nomination.

Bayona spoke warmly of their collaboration, acknowledging the trust Watts placed in him early in his career. "Naomi, I want to thank you for having trusted that young director who was scared to death," he shared, praising her as an exceptional professional and travel companion. Watts, visibly moved, reflected on her experience filming The Impossible, recalling the challenging yet rewarding shoot in Spain and Thailand, even jokingly referring to the grueling water tank scenes as "pure pain" compared to co-star Tom Holland's "best water park."

However, the emotional core of her speech resonated most profoundly when she spoke of her early struggles in Hollywood. After a decade of relentless rejections, Watts found her breakthrough with David Lynch's enigmatic masterpiece, Mulholland Drive (2001). "He saw me, and all those wounds from all that rejection now appeared as growth," Watts revealed, emphasizing Lynch's pivotal role. She added, "He believed in something in me before I fully believed in myself, and that is a gift that you never forget. So tonight, I do really feel like this award is very much about David."

Watts also took the opportunity to address the persistent issue of ageism in the industry, particularly for women. She recounted being told at 31, during the launch of Mulholland Drive, that her career would likely be "dried up and finished at the age of 40." Expressing profound gratitude, she stated, "I’m grateful beyond words to be part of shifting that narrative." Watts championed the need for greater representation, asserting, "We need to see ourselves. Women are consumers of films and storytelling too. We want to see ourselves reflected on screen."

Concluding her heartfelt address, Watts, holding up her Donostia Award, reaffirmed her passion for acting and her ongoing ambition. She then delivered a simple yet powerful message to her mentor: "And David Lynch, I miss you!" The tribute underscored the deep impact Lynch had on Watts, not just as a director, but as a catalyst for her belief in herself, solidifying her place as one of cinema's most respected talents.

The San Sebastián Film Festival, which also honored Werner Herzog earlier in the week, continues to celebrate significant figures in global cinema, with Watts' award recognizing a career marked by versatility, resilience, and iconic performances in films like 21 Grams, King Kong, and Eastern Promises.