Hollywood Star Raises Voice for Palestine at the 2026 Oscars

Spanish actor Javier Bardem made headlines at the 2026 Academy Awards (The Oscars) with a call to “Free Palestine” and an an end to war.

The renowned actor appeared onstage to present the award for Best International Feature alongside Priyanka Chopra. Bardem delivered a short, pointed line: “No to war, and free Palestine.” The remark drew strong applause inside the venue.

Javier Bardem says “no to war and free Palestine” at the #Oscars, earning a huge round of applause from everyone in the room.

(via ABC/AMPAS) pic.twitter.com/7p3whJzhbm

— Variety (@Variety) March 16, 2026

Bardem arrived wearing two pins on his lapel: a Palestine pin and another reading “No a la guerra” (“No to war”). The anti-war badge, he noted, was not new, he previously wore the same message at Spain’s Goya Awards in 2003 during protests against the Iraq war.

In comments to The Hollywood Reporter, he drew parallels between the Iraq war and today’s conflict involving Iran, describing both as “illegal” and claiming they were pushed using deceptive narratives. He also described the Palestine pin as a symbol of resistance.

In a follow-up conversation with Variety, Bardem said he believes artists can, and should, use high-profile moments to spotlight injustice.

He argued that it is possible to belong to the film industry while also acting as a citizen who speaks out, adding that, in his view, the ongoing violence against Palestinians demands more public attention.

Bardem also criticized what he called a failed ceasefire, claiming that hundreds of people were killed after it took effect, including many children. He said conditions in the West Bank, ranging from civil-rights abuses to displacement—were not being discussed enough internationally.

The Oscar-winning actor additionally returned to the subject of Iran, calling the campaign against it “illegal” and suggesting geopolitical and economic motives were driving it, while ordinary people bore the cost through bombing and instability.

Bardem’s Oscars message follows a pattern of outspoken advocacy. In recent months, he has repeatedly used red carpets and press appearances to condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza, including at the Emmys, where he wore a Palestinian keffiyeh and called for sanctions, and during remarks at the San Sebastián Film Festival, where he denounced what he described as “dehumanizing” attacks and alleged violations of international law.

He has also backed public pledges and letters criticizing what he sees as silence in the entertainment industry on the issue.