The actor Richard Gere, who received the International Goya Award in Granada on Saturday, the 50th anniversary of his debut on the big screen, made a plea in his speech to remain "vigilant" in the current situation, while warning of the existence of "dark places everywhere," urging people to act as "brothers." "Spain is my new home," he said.
"I come from a very dark place in America, where a bully is the president, but it's not just in the United States, it's everywhere," he warned while receiving the award, presented by his "best friend" Antonio Banderas, to a standing ovation.
At this point, he warned of "a very stupid tribalism" that has taken hold in the world, where everyone believes they are being "separated from others." "And, unfortunately, we have chosen officials who do not inspire us in the way we want to be inspired," he lamented.
Therefore, he urged to be "vigilant" and to be "alert," as well as to be "energetic and brave." "We have to be willing to stand up, speak the truth, be honest. And there is a place in all our lives for basic kindness, for basic love and understanding, and embracing others," he defended, referring to the work carried out by the NGO Open Arms, not forgetting those "people who are literally looking for a place to rent and food."
For this reason, he justified his presence in Spain, "to be part of that kind of movement where others matter," urging people to act as "brothers and sisters on this planet."
Gere also joked that the "real reason" he receives this award is because his wife is Spanish. "Thank you very much, everyone! It's fantastic!" he exclaimed upon receiving the award, which he described as "wonderful." "These life birthday awards are always a bit premature, because I have much more to do," he acknowledged, while describing Spain as his "new home."
Richard Gere on the right, holding his International Goya Award presented by his "best friend" Antonio Banderas.Fermin RodriguezAP
In his speech, Gere praised the role of actors, whom he described as "completely crazy" and who are always "children," with a taste for "stories that are two hours long, that are long." "They are a source of joy," Gere affirmed in reference to acting work, not forgetting the "hundreds of people" involved in making a film.
Before presenting the award, Banderas recalled that this year marks five decades since Gere made his debut on the big screen as "one of the most charismatic actors in the industry." "An overwhelming charisma that transcended screens and borders, making him a globally recognized actor. His legacy includes several of the most iconic films in cinema history," referring to titles such as An Officer and a Gentleman, Pretty Woman, Primal Fear, The Cotton Club, and Chicago.