At the 98th Academy Awards, actor Javier Bardem made headlines by expressing support for Palestine while presenting the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. He shared the stage with Priyanka Chopra Jonas at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Bardem opened his remarks with the words, “No to war and free Palestine,” earning applause from the audience. He also wore two pins on his tuxedo lapel—one reading “No to War” and the other showing support for Palestine—highlighting his anti-war message during the live broadcast. Chopra Jonas stood beside him, nodding and smiling, before they continued presenting the nominees.
The Spanish actor has been an outspoken critic of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He has called for international pressure on Israel, citing statements from the International Association of Genocide Scholars to support sanctions and diplomatic action. Earlier this year, Bardem joined over 100 film industry professionals in signing an open letter criticizing the Berlin International Film Festival for alleged censorship of filmmakers speaking about Gaza.
Bardem’s statement quickly went viral online, with clips shared across social media platforms like X and Reddit. Many users praised him for using the Oscars stage to highlight the conflict and voice support for Palestine.
Reactions also focused on Chopra Jonas, with some questioning why the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, who has worked with the organization since 2006, did not publicly comment on the statement or the broader conflict, despite her humanitarian role.
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This moment underscores how high-profile celebrities can bring global attention to international issues. Bardem’s remarks sparked widespread conversation, showing that entertainment platforms can also serve as a space for political and humanitarian statements.
