Julie Andrews, who was scheduled to receive the Donostia Award at this year' s San Sebastian International Film Festival, has cancelled her trip to Spain "in light of the recent events" in New York and Washington.

The festival, which begins next Thursday and runs through September 29, issued a statement announcing the cancellation of Andrews as well as of other anticipated guests including Barbara Hershey and Anthony Lapaglia, stars of competition film Lantana, and Mira Sorvino, star of films The Grey Zone (in the festival's Official Section) and The Triumph Of Love (Open Zone section).

"In light of the recent events, so tragic and horrible, Julie Andrews will not be able to attend San Sebastian," read a message sent by Andrews' spokesperson. "In these terrible times of loss, sadness and shock for so many people, Ms. Andrews firmly believes that while the entire world is in mourning it would be an expression of insensitivity on her part to participate in a festive act." The festival said it "regrets these absences, together with the grief that motivates them."

The festival's second Donostia Award recipient, actor Francisco (Paco) Rabal, passed away last month.