Hollywood A-listers Javier Bardem drew thunderous applause at the 98th Academy Awards after saying, "No to war, and free Palestine ," while presenting an award alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas. 

 

The Indian actress' silence  triggering debate and criticism on social media.

 

The two actors appeared on stage at the Dolby Theatre during the 98th Academy Awards to present the Oscar for Best International Feature Film.

 

As he began speaking, Bardem opened with the words “No to war and free Palestine,” which drew applause from the audience inside the venue.

 

The Spanish actor also wore two pins on his tuxedo lapel, one reading “No to War” and another expressing support for Palestine during the live broadcast.

 

Standing beside him at the podium, Chopra appeared to smile and nod as Bardem passed the remark before the pair continued with the award presentation.

 

The moment circulated online shortly after the broadcast, with clips spreading across social media platforms including X and Reddit. Many users praised Bardem, who has been an ardent supporter of the Palestine cause since years. 

 

However, much of the online conversation focused on Chopra’s reaction during the moment. Several users criticised the actor for appearing to smile and nod while remaining silent and not clapping. 

 

Several social media users questioned her response while referencing her role with UNICEF, where she has worked since 2006 and became a global Goodwill Ambassador in 2016. Posts circulating online asked why she has not publicly addressed the issue or the current Iran conflict despite her humanitarian position.

 

Others reacted by mocking what they described as her expression during the moment. One post on X read, “Meanwhile look at the expressions of our Daal Gadot next to him,” referring to comparisons with Israeli actress Gal Gadot who has supported Israeli genocide in Gaza. 

 

Another user wrote, “Lol you can see the panic only when she looks directly at the camera,” while a separate post said, “Pc thought it’s Bollywood where our actors and actresses doesn’t give a damn about anything.”

 

Some posts accused the actor of selective activism. One comment read, “I have SO much hatred for these celebrities with selective activism, girl u just a loser.” Another said, “Indian celebrities are spineless, cowards, pretentious pricks..Good for nothing..”

 

Other reactions also linked the moment to political debates online. One post stated, “The face of a hindutva freak when she hears someone respecting muslims,” while another wrote, “The look on Priyanka Chopra’s face says it all: How will I explain to my overlords that whatever this man said was his own free will. I had nothing to do with it.”