Filmmaker Mike Leigh wins top prize at Spain festival with ‘last film’

(From left) British actor Paul Jesson, British actress Marion Bailey and British actress Alice Bailey Johnson pose to promote the film "Tender Loving Care" during the 74th San Sebastian International Film Festival in the northern Spanish Basque city of San Sebastian on September 22, 2026. — AFP pic

First Published: Sunday, 27 Sep 2026 10:41 AM MYT

SAN SEBASTIAN (Spain), Sept 27 — British filmmaker Mike Leigh won the top prize yesterday at the San Sebastian film festival for his latest social drama Tender Loving Care, expected to be the last by the 83-year-old who is suffering from an illness.

The film, about social workers supporting vulnerable people, won the Golden Shell for best film at the festival in the northern Spanish city.

“I’m so sorry I can’t be with you. What a great honour it is,” Leigh said in a video acceptance speech. “Thank you and love to everybody.”

Leigh had previously said he was suffering from a medical condition affecting his muscles and that it would probably be his “last film”.

He won top prize at the Cannes film festival in 1996 for Secrets and Lies and at Venice in 2004 for Vera Drake.

Tender Loving Care also jointly won the best screenplay prize at the Spanish festival, while its actress Kate O’Flynn shared the Silver Shell for best performance.

Swedish filmmaker Amanda Kernell won the best director award for Brace Your Heart. — AFP pic