Spanish actor, Javier Bardem, used the stage at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles to call for peace and express support for Palestinian freedom while presenting an award during the ceremony.
While presenting the Oscar for best international film on Sunday, Bardem opened his remarks at the podium with the words “No to war” and “Free Palestine.”
The actor was seen wearing a pin bearing the Spanish phrase “No a la guerra,” which translates to “No to war,” alongside another pin expressing support for Palestine.
Bardem has previously been vocal in criticising Israeli military operations in Gaza.
The actor earlier accused the Israeli government of committing “crimes against humanity” in the besieged enclave and urged the international community to ensure accountability for those responsible.
As Hollywood’s awards season concluded with the Oscars, political organisers observed that many celebrities appeared more outspoken this year compared to recent award cycles. Jess Morales Rocketto, executive director of the Latino advocacy group Maremoto, whose organisation introduced immigration-themed pins at the Golden Globe Awards, described the moment as a “return to form” for political expression among artists.
Several attendees representing “The Voice of Hind Rajab” wore newly introduced red “Artists4Ceasefire” pins. The docudrama, which chronicles efforts to rescue a Palestinian girl killed in Gaza, received a nomination for best international feature film.
“Our struggles are connected. So is our liberation. And we’re so, so honoured to be here tonight,” Saja Kilani, one of the film’s stars, told The Associated Press while speaking on the red carpet.
Israel launched a genocide on Gaza Strip in October 2023 that lasted two years and has since continued in various forms, killing more than 72,000 Palestinians, injuring about 172,000 people and destroying roughly 90 percent of the enclave’s civilian infrastructure.
