Lydia Spencer-Elliott
ARGENTINIAN football legend Beto Acosta and Real Sociedad player Asier Illaramendi aren’t who you might expect to find at glitzy movie gala.
But last night, as Viggo Mortensen took to the stage to collect the prestigious Donostia Award for his contribution to cinema, a message from Acosta beamed onto the stage in congratulations.
While on-screen Acosta even promised Mortensen, a long term supporter of his team San Lorenzo de Almagro, a personalised shirt.
Moments later Real Sociedad mid-fielder Asier Illaramendi stormed the stage from the audience to make good on the deal.
Not only did he gift the actor a shirt from San Lorenzo, but also one from his own San Sebastian club.
Mortensen was in high spirits, telling the audience: “COVID-19 has screwed us all and will continue to screw us for some time to come, but it is only another stumbling block in our existence.”
“Uncertainty is the law of life, but don’t let us forget that life is a gift. We must continue to forge ahead. Long live the cinema!”
Before Mortensen, previous winners of the Donostia Award have included Judi Dench, Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, Hugh Jackman and Penelope Cruz.
Mortensen’s directorial debut Falling premiered on the night.
