At the closing ceremony on 26 September 2026, the jury, led by American filmmaker Ira Sachs, awarded the Concha de Oro to Mike Leigh's _Tender Loving Care_. It won at the 74th San Sebastián festival and may also be Leigh's final film.
Leigh, 83, has linked a possible retirement from filmmaking to a medical condition that affects muscle movement. At a press event before the ceremony, he said the film was "more than likely" his last. EFE and Infobae reported that he referred to myositis.
Leigh also won the best screenplay award. Kate O'Flynn shared the Silver Shell for leading performance with Asta Kamma August, recognised for _Growth of the Soil_. The official festival announcement matched reports from Reuters and Deadline on the basic awards.
The film also received the Transforma Make & Mark Award, which recognises films that contribute to positive social change. That prize extended its run beyond the basic competition awards.
Leigh's comments gave the victory extra weight. His possible departure stems from illness, not a planned artistic retirement. The condition has limited his mobility and may prevent him from making another film.
Javier Cámara led the Spanish winners, taking the Silver Shell for best supporting performance for _Cinco minutos más_. Javier Ruiz Caldera directed the film, which Berto Romero wrote and stars in. Cámara's prize was the basic Spanish acting award in the Official Selection.
The audience chose _La bola negra_ by Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo. The Spanish Film Academy also selected it to represent Spain at the Oscars. San Sebastián voters added their support to the film's national Oscar campaign, covered earlier.
The remaining major awards went to films from outside Spain. Ah Biao's _Border_ won the Special Jury Prize. Amanda Kernell took the Silver Shell for best director for _Garrat du váimmu_. RTVE's closing-ceremony report matched the festival's official results on the basic distribution of prizes.
Leigh's film took the top award and the screenplay prize, while O'Flynn received an acting honour. Spanish cinema also had a strong showing, with Cámara's win and the audience choice of _La bola negra_. Screen Daily also recorded the Transforma Make & Mark Award.
San Sebastián produced two clear stories: Leigh may be ending his career because of his health, while Spanish cinema won an acting prize and the audience award. The Spanish Film Academy's Oscar selection added another boost. Variety and The Hollywood Reporter described the result as a strong boost for _Tender Loving Care_ during the wider awards season.
