Brad Pitt’s return to the San Sebastián International Film Festival was always going to attract attention. But when the Hollywood star stepped onto the red carpet with Inés de Ramón by his side, his long-awaited comeback quickly became one of the standout moments of this year’s festival.
Pitt returned to the prestigious Spanish film festival 17 years after his previous appearance in 2009, when he visited San Sebastián to promote Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds. This time, the 62-year-old actor and producer was in town for Heart of the Beast, the new survival thriller directed by David Ayer. The movie screened out of competition at the 74th edition of the festival.
© WireImageThe film stars Pitt as Special Forces officer James Belmont, who survives a devastating plane crash alongside his combat dog, Odin. Stranded in the Alaskan wilderness, the pair must rely on each other as they battle the elements and attempt to survive. J.K. Simmons and Anna Lambe also appear in the movie.
Brad Pitt and Inés de Ramón Make a Rare Red Carpet Appearance
Crowds gathered outside the Kursaal in anticipation of Pitt’s appearance on Wednesday, September 23. When the actor finally arrived, fans greeted him with cheers, applause and a sea of cameras.
But Pitt wasn’t alone.
Inés de Ramón joined him for the special evening, giving fans another rare glimpse of the couple together. Pitt and the jewelry executive have largely kept their relationship away from the spotlight, despite becoming more comfortable making public appearances as a couple in recent years.
© JB LacroixFor the San Sebastián appearance, de Ramón chose an elegant green dress featuring lace and sheer detailing. Pitt and de Ramón walked part of the red carpet together and posed for photographers, sharing smiles and affectionate moments in front of the cameras.
Brad Pitt Spends Time With Fans in San Sebastián
Pitt also made sure his visit wasn’t limited to photocalls, press conferences and red carpet appearances. Fans had been gathering around the festival and his hotel hoping for a chance to see him, with some arriving hours before his scheduled appearances.
When Pitt first arrived in San Sebastián on Sunday, September 20, he stopped to greet the crowd outside the Hotel María Cristina, taking photos and signing autographs. Reports from his arrival described hundreds of people waiting for a glimpse of the actor, some of whom had been there since early in the morning.
© Getty Images for Paramount PictuHis interactions with fans continued during his stay, turning his visit into much more than a quick promotional stop.
Brad Pitt Returned to the San Sebastián Film Festival
Pitt’s main reason for returning was Heart of the Beast, which reunites him with director David Ayer after the pair previously worked together on the 2014 war film Fury.
During the official press conference on September 23, Pitt appeared alongside Ayer and producer Olivia Hamilton to discuss the movie. The festival also held an official photocall earlier that day. Although Heart of the Beast is built around an intense fight for survival, Pitt described the emotional connection between the soldier and his dog as central to the story.
© JB LacroixThe movie follows two battle-scarred companions who have already survived war together before being forced into another extreme situation. Their loyalty to one another becomes essential as they attempt to make their way through the Alaskan wilderness.
When he attended the San Sebastián Film Festival in 2009, he was promoting Inglourious Basterds alongside Quentin Tarantino. Seventeen years later, he returned not only as the star of Heart of the Beast, but also as one of its producers.
