Javier Bardem Voices Strong Support for Palestine at Emmys Red Carpet: “I Can’t Work with Companies That Support Genocide”
Javier Bardem made a powerful statement on the red carpet at the 2025 Emmy Awards, showing his support for Palestine and Film Workers for Palestine.
The actor wore a keffiyeh scarf while speaking to Variety’s Marc Malkin, making his stance very clear. “Here I am today, denouncing the genocide in Gaza,” Bardem said. “I am talking about the IAGS, the International Association of Genocide Scholars, who study thoroughly genocide and has declared it is a genocide. That’s why we ask for a commercial and diplomatic blockade and also sanctions on Israel to stop the genocide. Free Palestine.”
He also told Malkin, “I cannot work with someone who justifies or supports the genocide.” Bardem emphasized that his position is not aimed at individuals but at institutions and film companies that, in his words, “are complicit and are white-washing or justifying the genocide and its apartheid regime. We do stand with those who are helping and being supportive of the oppressed people.”
The comments came after an open pledge organized by Film Workers for Palestine gathered 3,900 signatures from industry professionals.
The pledge asks signatories to refuse work with Israeli institutions and film companies that are linked to what they describe as “genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.” It specifically targets companies accused of “whitewashing or justifying genocide and apartheid, and/or partnering with the government committing them.”
Paramount responded to the pledge by condemning any boycott of Israeli filmmakers. In a statement, the company said, “At Paramount, we believe in the power of storytelling to connect and inspire people, promote mutual understanding, and preserve the moments, ideas, and events that shape the world we share. This is our creative mission. We do not agree with recent efforts to boycott Israeli filmmakers.”
“Silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality does not promote better understanding or advance the cause of peace. The global entertainment industry should be encouraging artists to tell their stories and share their ideas with audiences throughout the world. We need more engagement and communication — not less.”
Bardem clarified that the pledge is not aimed at individuals but at institutions, restating, “I cannot work with someone that justifies or supports the genocide. That’s as simple as that. We shouldn’t be able to do that, in this industry or any other industry.”
He is joined in signing the pledge by many prominent filmmakers and actors, including Yorgos Lanthimos, Ava DuVernay, Asif Kapadia, Emma Seligman, Boots Riley, Adam McKay, Olivia Colman, Ayo Edebiri, Mark Ruffalo, Riz Ahmed, Tilda Swinton, Lily Gladstone, Hannah Einbinder, Gael Garcia Bernal, Melissa Barrera, and Emma Stone.
Bardem attended the 2025 Emmys as a nominee for his performance as José Menendez in Netflix’s crime series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, competing in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.
Bardem’s public stance is a bold move, showing how Hollywood figures are using their platforms to address global issues. It will be interesting to see how his actions influence others in the industry. What do you think about actors taking political stances on the red carpet? Share your thoughts in the comments.
