Trending Now - Javier Bardem Advocates for Peace and Palestine at Oscars

WHO:

Javier Bardem, actor and advocate for Palestinian human rights

International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS)

Film Workers For Palestine

Mark Ruffalo, actor and activist

Benjamin Netanyahu, former Prime Minister of Israel

WHAT:

Javier Bardem declared “No to war and free Palestine” while presenting the Oscar for best international film on March 15th, 2026

Bardem wore a “No to war” pin and a pin supporting Palestine on his tuxedo lapel

Bardem was one of over 100 celebrity signatories to an open letter criticizing the Berlin Film Festival for its silence on Gaza in February 2026

The open letter expressed dismay at the Berlinale’s involvement in censoring artists opposing Israel’s actions in Gaza

Bardem defended Film Workers For Palestine's pledge to boycott Israeli film companies implicated in genocide and apartheid against Palestinians

WHERE:

Oscars ceremony, location unspecified

Berlin Film Festival, Germany

Gaza, Palestine

WHEN:

March 15th, 2026, during the Oscars

February 2026, when the open letter was released

A month prior to the Oscars, when Bardem defended Film Workers For Palestine

WHY:

Bardem advocates for Palestinian human rights and denounces what he describes as genocide in Gaza

The open letter aimed to call attention to the violence against Palestinians and the role of film festivals in censoring dissent

HOW:

Bardem used his platform at the Oscars to make a public statement against war and in support of Palestine

The open letter was signed by over 100 film industry participants, including current and former Berlinale participants

(UPDATED March 16, 2026 13:23 UTC)

At the Oscars on March 15, 2026, Javier Bardem made a powerful statement against war and in support of Palestinian rights, declaring “No to war and free Palestine” while presenting the award for best international film. Bardem, who wore pins on his tuxedo advocating for peace and Palestinian support, was among over 100 signatories of an open letter that criticized the Berlin Film Festival for its silence on the violence in Gaza and its role in censoring dissenting voices. This letter, released in February, highlighted the film industry's responsibility to address issues of genocide and apartheid, with Bardem defending the pledge by Film Workers For Palestine to boycott Israeli film companies involved in these actions.