Sun, 17 May 2026
World News Updated May 17, 2026 · 18:46

Javier Bardem: Hollywood Voices Rising for Palestine at Cannes

Spanish actor Javier Bardem stated at the Cannes Film Festival that Hollywood is increasingly speaking up for Palestine. He said younger generations are driving awareness that the war in Gaza is unacceptable. Bardem acknowledged fear of career repercussions but emphasized the need to act on principle. He believes those creating blacklists will face public backlash instead.

Javier Bardem says Hollywood is finally speaking up for Palestine

Los Angeles, May 17

Spanish actor Javier Bardem, who is known for his work in 'No Country for Old Men', feels that more people in Hollywood are speaking up for Palestine in Hollywood.

The actor attended the ongoing edition of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, and said that "everyone is beginning to realize, this is unacceptable", reports 'Variety'.

The Oscar-winning actor, who is at Cannes with his latest film 'The Beloved', was asked immediately if he has any fear of suffering consequences in his career for denouncing the war in Gaza.

As per 'Variety', the actor has been one of the most outspoken actors on the topic, taking the opportunity at the Oscars to say "Free Palestine" while presenting the award for best international feature film.

He said, "The fear does exist, granted, but one has to do things even if you feel a bit scared or afraid. You have to be able to look at yourself in the mirror, look at yourself in the eyes and that was my case. My mother taught me to be the way I am. There is no plan B. This entails consequences, which I am fully ready to shoulder".

He noted that he "can't corroborate" that there is an actual blacklist, and has actually continued to receive many offers all over the world which makes him believe that "things are changing".

He said, "Everyone is beginning to realize, thanks to the younger generation who is more aware of situations we're experiencing quite directly on our phones and on other screens, this is unacceptable. It cannot be justified".

"And there can be no reason, no explanation for this genocide. Therefore, I think what is happening is quite the contrary. I believe that those who are drawing up the so-called blacklists will actually be exposed, and they will be the ones suffering the so-called consequences, at least on a public and social level", he added.

— IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Bardem is a great actor, but Hollywood speaking up now feels a bit too little, too late. Where was this energy when Palestine was being bombed for decades? Sometimes I wonder if it's just fashionable to support causes at Cannes rather than genuine solidarity.
M
Michael C
As an American, I'm glad to see this. The silence from most A-listers has been deafening. Bardem is right—the younger generation sees everything on their phones and knows this is wrong. India has a long history of supporting Palestine, and I'm learning from that perspective.
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Rohit P
Genocide is a strong word, but when you see children dying in thousands... what else do you call it? India must use its diplomatic clout more. We can't just tweet condolences and do nothing. Bardem is doing more than most politicians. 👏
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Sarah B
I respect Bardem's conviction but let's be real—Hollywood activism is selective. They speak up for some causes and stay silent on others. Still, better late than never. The images from Gaza are unbearable. Every human being should be outraged.
K
Kavya N
Watching from Hyderabad, this gives me hope. When a big star like Bardem says "Free Palestine" at the Oscars, it matters. The blacklist threat is real but he's right—eventually the truth will out. The world hasn't seen such brutal occupation since apartheid South Africa.

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