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Spanish actor speaks out at prestigious event
Hollywood witnessed a significant political moment when prominent Spanish actor Javier Bardem used the 2025 Emmy Awards red carpet as a platform for advocacy. The Oscar-winning star’s appearance became notable not just for his artistic nomination but for his political statement.
His decision to wear traditional Palestinian attire and speak candidly about the ongoing conflict marked a defining moment at the ceremony. The veteran performer joined other celebrities in using their platform to address global humanitarian concerns.
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Bardem arrives wearing traditional keffiyeh
On September 14, 2025, Javier Bardem made headlines when he walked the red carpet at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards wearing a black-and-white Palestinian keffiyeh. The traditional Middle Eastern scarf has become a widely recognized symbol of Palestinian identity and solidarity.
His appearance immediately drew attention from photographers and reporters gathered at the event. The actor, nominated for his role in Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, transformed his red carpet appearance into a statement of advocacy.
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Bardem calls for commercial blockade of Israel
Speaking with Variety’s Marc Malkin on the red carpet, Bardem delivered an unequivocal message about his stance on the Gaza situation. “Here I am today, denouncing what’s happening in Gaza,” the actor stated without hesitation during the interview.
He specifically referenced the International Association of Genocide Scholars, which had classified Israel’s actions in Gaza as meeting legal criteria for violence. His words carried weight as one of Hollywood’s most respected international performers taking a definitive position.
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Actor mentions academic declaration
Bardem specifically referenced the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) in his red carpet statement to reporters. The organization represents the world’s largest professional association of experts who study historical atrocities and legal definitions.
In August 2025, IAGS concluded that Israel’s conduct in Gaza met the United Nations definition of systematic violence. Bardem used this academic backing to support his call for international action against Israel’s military operations.
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Film Workers for Palestine movement gains momentum
Prior to the Emmy ceremony, Bardem had joined over 4,000 entertainment industry professionals in signing a pledge organized by Film Workers for Palestine. The commitment involves refusing to collaborate with Israeli film institutions deemed complicit in actions against Palestinians.
Notable signatories included Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Olivia Colman, and numerous Academy Award winners from across the industry. This organized effort represented one of Hollywood’s most significant political boycott movements in recent years.
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Actor refuses collaboration with complicit companies
In his Emmy red carpet interview, Bardem established firm professional boundaries regarding future work opportunities. “I cannot work with someone who justifies or supports what’s happening,” he told reporters with conviction.
The actor clarified that Film Workers for Palestine targets institutions rather than individuals based on their identity or nationality. He emphasized that the focus remains on companies and organizations that allegedly whitewash or justify actions in Gaza.
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Major studio condemns celebrity boycott
On September 12, Paramount Pictures became the first major Hollywood studio to publicly denounce the celebrity boycott of Israeli film institutions. The studio released a statement criticizing efforts to silence creative artists based on nationality alone.
“We need more engagement and communication – not less,” Paramount’s statement emphasized to media outlets. Film Workers for Palestine accused the studio of deliberately misrepresenting their pledge to silence industry colleagues.
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Emmy winner uses acceptance speech
Hannah Einbinder, winner of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks, concluded her acceptance speech with political statements. “Go Birds, f*** ICE and free Palestine,” she declared from the Emmy stage on live television.
The actress wore a red Artists4Ceasefire pin and later explained her motivation to reporters backstage. She described having friends working as doctors and teachers in Gaza refugee camps.
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Red carpet displays solidarity symbols
Multiple celebrities wore red Artists4Ceasefire pins during the Emmy ceremony to show support for ending the conflict. The pins appeared on stars including Ruth Negga, Aimee Lou Wood, Chris Perfetti, and Natasha Rothwell throughout the evening.
The Artists4Ceasefire campaign calls on the United States government to push for immediate de-escalation in the region. The symbol has regularly appeared on red carpets since late 2023 as a form of celebrity activism.
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Megan Stalter’s fashion statement
Hacks actress Megan Stalter made headlines by arriving at the Emmy ceremony in a simple white t-shirt and jeans. Her casual outfit contrasted sharply with traditional formal Emmy attire worn by other attendees at the prestigious event.
However, her black handbag prominently displayed the word “CEASEFIRE!” in bold lettering for photographers and cameras. Stalter told USA Today that speaking out about peace was more important than any fashion choice.
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Marvel actor maintains vocal stance
Mark Ruffalo has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most vocal advocates for Palestinian causes throughout 2025. The Avengers star regularly posts on social media calling the situation in Gaza a “man-made disaster” created by Israeli actions.
In August 2025, he released an emotional video statement urging world leaders to take action to end what he described as deliberate starvation tactics. Ruffalo signed the Film Workers for Palestine pledge alongside thousands of other industry professionals.
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Oscar winner signs institutional pledge
Academy Award winner Emma Stone became one of the most high-profile signatories of the Film Workers for Palestine boycott pledge. The actress joined the movement that refuses collaboration with Israeli film institutions allegedly complicit in actions against Palestinians.
Stone’s participation marked a significant moment as one of Hollywood’s biggest current stars taking a definitive political stance. Her involvement helped bring additional attention and legitimacy to the organized boycott effort.
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International scope of celebrity support
The Film Workers for Palestine pledge attracted signatures from international celebrities beyond just American Hollywood stars. British actors including Olivia Colman, Tilda Swinton, and Josh O’Connor signed the commitment alongside their American counterparts.
Directors Yorgos Lanthimos, Ava DuVernay, and Adam McKay also joined the boycott movement against Israeli institutions. Arab entertainment figures including Bassem Youssef and Dhafer L’Abidine added their names to the growing list.
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Israeli filmmakers express concern
Israeli filmmakers have expressed concern that the Hollywood boycott could harm their ability to create anti-war content. Director Nadav Lapid warned that the boycott might inadvertently damage funding for films critical of Israeli government policies.
Several progressive Israeli directors argue they should be viewed similarly to Russian or Iranian filmmakers working under authoritarian regimes. The Israeli film fund has historically supported liberal perspectives including works critical of Israeli nationalism.
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Public response spans political spectrum
Social media reactions to celebrity activism at the Emmy ceremony reflected deep political divisions over the conflict. Supporters praised actors like Einbinder and Bardem for using their platforms to highlight humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
Critics argued that celebrities were promoting one-sided political messages at entertainment events meant for celebrating artistic achievements. Israeli activist Hen Mazzig specifically criticized Einbinder’s speech as populist rather than genuinely courageous.
The wave of Hollywood activism continues, with Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo joining a boycott of Israeli film institutions.
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Last Updated: September 17, 2025
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