Spanish actor Javier Bardem has stated that Hollywood is shifting its stance on speaking out for Palestine, noting that “everyone is beginning to realize this is unacceptable”.
Speaking at a press conference for his film The Beloved at the Cannes Film Festival, the Oscar winner addressed questions regarding the potential professional repercussions of his advocacy.
Bardem previously used his platform at the Academy Awards to say “Free Palestine” while presenting the award for best international feature film. At Cannes, he acknowledged the presence of industry fear but emphasized the necessity of action.
“The fear does exist, granted, but one has to do things even if you feel a bit scared or afraid,” Bardem said, attributing his principles to his mother’s upbringing and stating that he is ready to shoulder the consequences.
While Bardem mentioned that he cannot corroborate the existence of an industry blacklist, he noted that he continues to receive global project offers. He attributed the shifting dynamics to the younger generation monitoring global events on their screens.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, Bardem labeled the actions a genocide, calling it a fact. “If you justify it with your silence or with your support, you are pro-genocide,” he stated. He added that individuals creating blacklists will face public and social exposure.
The actor also linked global political dynamics directly to toxic masculinity, referencing domestic violence statistics in Spain where an average of two women are killed monthly by current or ex partners. “We’re killing women because some men think they own them,” Bardem said.
He connected this behavior to world leaders, specifically naming Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Benjamin Netanyahu.
Bardem criticized their leadership styles, stating, “And that problem also goes to Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin and Mr. Netanyahu, those big-blls men saying, ‘My cck is bigger than yours and I’m going to bomb the shit out of you’”. He categorized the actions as male toxic behavior that must be discussed openly.
The press conference coincided with the festival screening of The Beloved, directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen.
The film, which received a seven-minute ovation at its premiere, features Bardem as a director who offers a film role to his estranged daughter, played by Victoria Luengo.
