By Grace Cyril,News18,Sahas Mahapatra

Copyright news18

At the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, Javier Bardem has just one message: “Free Palestine”. The actor walked the red carpet of the ceremony in a keffiyeh scarf and used the platform to make a political statement. He voiced his support for Film Workers for Palestine and mentioned that he just doesn’t want to work with anyone who “justifies or supports the genocide” in Palestine.
On the red carpet, the 56-year-old Spanish actor spoke to Variety and said, “Here I am today, denouncing the genocide in Gaza.” He shared that the International Association of Genocide Scholars have declared the escalating situation in Gaza a “genocide” and added, “That’s why we ask for a commercial and diplomatic blockade and also sanctions on Israel to stop the genocide. Free Palestine.”
The interviewer then asked Javier why it was important for him to speak up about the issue when many don’t. His reason was simple. “Because I am a human being, I’m a father and I really cannot take any more of what is going on,” he said. Furthermore, he also discussed the pledge organised by Film Workers for Palestine.
Javier Bardem Clarified That Film Workers For Palestine “Do Not Target Any Individual”
In the weeks leading up to the 2025 Emmys, which took place at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on September 14, 3,900 filmmakers, actors and professionals signed an open pledge, where they refused to work with Israeli institutions and film companies that are “implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.” Among those who signed the pledge alongside Javier are Yorgos Lanthimos, Ava DuVernay, Olivia Colman, Ayo Edebiri, Mark Ruffalo, Riz Ahmed, Emma Stone and Tilda Swinton.
The pledge drew criticism from Paramount. They released a statement, saying, “We do not agree with recent efforts to boycott Israeli filmmakers. Silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality does not promote better understanding or advance the cause of peace.”
In response to this, the F1 actor clarified, “Film Workers for Palestine do not target any individuals based on identity. The targets are those film companies and institutions that are complicit and are whitewashing or justifying the genocide and its apartheid regime. We do stand with those who are helping and being supportive of the oppressed people.”
Javier Bardem Shared He Can’t Work With Those Who “Justify Or Support The Genocide”
Javier Bardem clarified that he won’t be working with any company that collaborates with Israel. “I cannot work with someone who justifies or supports the genocide. That’s as simple as that. We shouldn’t be able to do that, in this industry or any other industry,” he added.
The actor attended the ceremony as a nominee in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie category for his role in the Netflix crime drama, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.