Addressing reporters at the Spanish festival, where she was honored for her career achievements, Watts spoke candidly about the industry's past perceptions and its current trajectory. According to a report by Deadline, the British-Australian star, who launched her career with Mulholland Drive in her early thirties, recalled being warned about a finite career span.

"I was told that I better get my skates on because it all finishes at the age of 40, but here we are today. I’m in my late 50s now," Watts stated, highlighting the significant shift she has witnessed. She pointed to recent events, like the Emmys, as evidence of this positive change. "Look at the Emmys just last week, there were a number of women in strong categories over 50, so that’s heartening to see."

Watts emphasized that these advancements are crucial for broader representation, noting that women are major consumers of film and television. "Everybody needs to see their story reflected in storytelling, so that narrative had to be shifted, and I’m grateful to be a small part of that shift," she added, acknowledging her role in pushing for more diverse and age-inclusive narratives.

Beyond reflecting on industry progress, Watts also shared her professional aspirations. When asked about directors she still hopes to work with, she named a prominent auteur. "Paul Thomas Anderson is someone I’ve wanted to work with for a long time," she revealed, sparking excitement among fans of both artists. Anderson is known for critically acclaimed films like There Will Be Blood and Licorice Pizza.

Watts was also at San Sebastián alongside the cast and director Ben Shirinian for her latest film, The Housewife, which was set to screen following her Donostia Award presentation. The 1964-set drama features Watts as Hermine, a woman whose seemingly normal life with her husband Russel (Luke Evans) in New York City is upended when a journalist (Tye Sheridan) investigates Russel's potential past as a Nazi in hiding.

Describing her role as a challenging "mind twister," Watts found the storyline compelling due to its basis in true events. The film promises a complex narrative as the journalist's inquiry deepens, leading to increasingly intimate exchanges with Hermine and a series of unexpected revelations. The San Sebastián Film Festival runs until September 26.