Ethan Hawke, acclaimed for his roles in films like Training Day and Boyhood, recently shared his views on actors’ involvement in political discourse at the Berlinale film festival. Speaking at the press conference for his upcoming historical drama, The Weight, Hawke reflected on the role of artists in political debates while emphasizing his commitment to fighting fascism.
Hawke’s Perspective on Actors and Political Engagement
During the Berlinale press event, Ethan Hawke expressed skepticism about artists offering spiritual or political counsel but made it clear he supports any effort combating fascism. He said,
“The last place you probably want to look for advice in your spiritual counsel is a bunch of jet-lagged, drunk artists talking about their film… [but] anything that fights fascism, I’m all for it.”
Hawke also highlighted the power of cinema to influence collective consciousness, comparing festivals to a shared dream space where society’s hopes and fears are explored. He stated,
“I believe in the power of cinema to affect — you know how every night we all dream and those dreams kind of heal us and get us ready for the next day? I feel like, collectively, the whole festival — all of you, all of us here — are responsible for creating an international dream life. What is it? What are our dreams? What are we talking about?”
Reactions to Hawke’s Comments on the Gaza Conflict
A significant moment arose when a journalist asked Hawke about his position on Gaza, referring to an open letter from more than 80 current or former festival participants criticizing the event’s silence on the issue. Hawke addressed the question thoughtfully despite previous backlash he encountered when speaking on similar topics. He remarked,
“The last time I spoke publicly about any of this, I was really shocked about how much animosity it was met with. You know, people saying, ‘Actors shouldn’t talk about politics’ and things like that. And I really feel like the answer is the absolute inverse, that everybody should be — we’re all citizens of the world and all of us matter, all of us have a voice and everybody’s welcome to disagree. That’s part of the benefit of living in a free society.”
He acknowledged the role actors play in public discourse, explaining how microphones are often thrust in their faces, yet clarified that their intention isn’t to dictate political solutions.
“We’re just sharing art. We’re not some of the greatest minds in the world that try to make the planet live in peace. I feel like there’s a slight agenda to your question that’s different from my agenda. But I respect you and I respect the question.”
Personal Moments Amid the Festival Discussion
Aside from his political reflections, Ethan Hawke recently celebrated a personal milestone: the wedding of his daughter, Maya Hawke, which took place on February 14. This event adds a more intimate dimension to the actor’s busy schedule during this festival period.
Hawke’s comments during Berlinale reveal the tension actors face when navigating public expectations and personal beliefs in an increasingly polarized world. His balanced approach, supporting anti-fascist efforts while rejecting simplistic calls for celebrity activism, signals ongoing challenges in the intersection of art, politics, and social responsibility.
#EthanHawke on actors speaking out about politics: “The last place you probably want to look for advice in your spiritual counsel is a bunch of jet-lagged, drunk artists talking about their film… [but] anything that fights fascism, I’m all for it.”
“I believe in the power of… pic.twitter.com/PEmtHvniVH
— Variety (@Variety) February 17, 2026
