At the 2025 Emmy Awards held on September 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, Javier Bardem took a strong public stance on the ongoing conflict in Gaza by wearing a keffiyeh and speaking out in support of Palestine. The 56-year-old actor, nominated for Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his role in Monsters: The Lyle & Erik Menendez Story, used his red carpet interview to call attention to the situation.
Describing the Crisis as Genocide and Urging an End to Blockades
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Bardem referenced a recent declaration from the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS), which described the current events in Gaza as genocide. He emphasized the need to end commercial and diplomatic blockades against Israel to stop what he called a genocide, plainly stating, “Free Palestine.”
At the end of August, the IAGS, the International Association of Genocide Scholars who studied thoroughly the concept of genocide, called what is going on in Gaza today a genocide,
— Javier Bardem
And that’s why we ask for the commercial and diplomatic blockade and the sanctions on Israel to stop this genocide. Free Palestine.
— Javier Bardem
Championing the Film Workers for Palestine Movement
On the E! preshow, Bardem spoke about the growing collective of creatives called Film Workers for Palestine, stressing that the movement does not target individuals by their identity but rather focuses on institutions and companies allegedly complicit in supporting the conflict. He described the union as a unifying effort among people in the film industry who stand in solidarity with oppressed communities.
It means more and more people are gathering together for Film Workers for Palestine. It’s a great union. We don’t target people by their identity. That’s absolutely wrong,
— Javier Bardem
We target film companies and institutions that are complicit and are whitewashing or justifying this genocide and its apartheid regime, that’s what we’re targeting. Not to those who stand in solidarity with oppressed people.
— Javier Bardem
The Context of the 2025 Emmy Awards and Industry Support
The Emmy Awards ceremony, hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze and broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+ at 8pm ET / 5pm PT, featured a number of notable moments and nominations. Apple TV+ led with 27 nominations for Severance, while some major stars surprisingly did not receive nods this year. The growing number of over 1,200 creatives and industry professionals publicly aligned with the Film Workers for Palestine pledge highlights a shift in how certain segments of the entertainment community engage with global political issues.
Implications of Bardem’s Public Advocacy
Javier Bardem’s open support for Palestine at such a high-profile event underscores the increasing visibility of political activism among prominent figures in Hollywood. His statement may influence fellow artists and viewers to consider the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, while also sparking broader discussions about the role of the entertainment industry in global conflicts. As the movement Film Workers for Palestine grows, the coming months could see further efforts to pressure institutions connected to the situation.
