Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence expressed strong support for Palestine, describing the current circumstances in Gaza as “no less than a genocide” during the San Sebastian Film Festival on September 26. Her remarks came amid increasing global attention to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
Comments Made at San Sebastian Film Festival Highlight Urgency
At the film festival, while promoting her new movie Die My Love, Lawrence faced attempts by moderators to steer the conversation away from the topic of Palestine. Despite their efforts, she addressed the issue openly in the closing part of the panel. Lawrence stated,
“I’m terrified and it’s mortifying. What’s happening is no less than a genocide and it’s unacceptable. I’m terrified for my children, for all of our children,”
highlighting her deep fear about the future for younger generations.
Reflection on Political Climate and Impact on Youth
Beyond her thoughts on Gaza, Lawrence commented on the deteriorating political environment in the United States. She expressed sadness over the fact that children growing up today will witness a landscape filled with “disrespect and discourse,” pointing to a loss of trust and empathy in politics. She explained,
“I mean, the kids who are voting right now at 18, it’s going to be totally normal to them that politics has no integrity. Politicians lie, there is no empathy. And everybody needs to remember that when you ignore what’s happening on one side of the world, it won’t be long until it’s on your side as well.”
Call for Accountability and Support for Artistic Freedom
Lawrence urged the public to focus on holding the right parties accountable while emphasizing the importance of participation in voting. She cautioned against targeting artists and performers who use their platforms to advocate for freedom of expression. She stated,
“stay focused on who is responsible and the things that they can do and when they need to show up and vote, and not let the actors and the artists who are trying to express freedom of art, freedom of speech take the heat for the individuals that are actually responsible.”
The actress’s statements come as over 5,000 celebrities have signed a pledge to boycott Israeli film institutions, further amplifying the cultural and political dimensions of this ongoing conflict. Lawrence’s outspoken stance highlights the growing demand for global awareness and action amid the Gaza crisis.
