Spanish actor and Oscar winner Javier Bardem used his appearance at the 98th Academy Awards to deliver a brief political message, calling for peace and expressing support for Palestine during the ceremony on Sunday 15 March.
Bardem, 57, appeared on stage alongside Indian actress Priyanka Chopra to present the award for best international feature film. Before introducing the nominees, he began his remarks by stating: ‘No to war and free Palestine’, a comment that drew loud applause from the audience.
The actor also wore a red patch on his tuxedo reading ‘No a la guerra’ — Spanish for ‘No to war’ — as well as a pin referencing Palestine. ALSO READ: Pedro Sánchez responds to Donald Trump: ‘No to war’.
His comments come at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, with the United States and Israel’s war with Iran entering its third week. Donald Trump has urged other nations to join Washington in deploying warships to the Strait of Hormuz amid a growing global energy crisis, while Israeli forces have launched new strikes in both Iran and Lebanon. Trump has repeatedly said the conflict will end soon but has not provided a clear timeline.
Bardem has been outspoken on the issue of Israel and Gaza in recent months. Speaking on the red carpet at the Emmy Awards in September last year, he said: ‘Here I am today, denouncing the genocide in Gaza. I am talking about the IAGS, the International Association of Genocide Scholars, who study thoroughly genocide and has declared it is a genocide. That’s why we ask for a commercial and diplomatic blockade and also sanctions on Israel to stop the genocide. Free Palestine.’ ALSO READ: Spain formally dismisses its ambassador to Israel, deepening diplomatic rift.
In February, Bardem was also among more than 100 film industry figures who signed an open letter criticising the Berlin International Film Festival for what they described as silence over the situation in Gaza.
On Sunday, Bardem was not the only celebrity to reference political or humanitarian issues at the Oscars. Several attendees wore pins linked to social justice campaigns, including badges reading ‘Just Peace’ and ‘Artists4Ceasefire’, a collective of artists advocating for an end to the violence in Israel and Palestine.
The moment highlighted how the awards ceremony once again became a stage for political statements, with stars using the global spotlight of the Oscars to voice their views on ongoing conflicts.
Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter from Spain in English.
Javier Bardem on his “Free Palestine” remark at the #Oscars: “It’s important to understand that you can be part of the movie-making community and also be a citizen who uses this huge speaker to denounce injustice.” pic.twitter.com/TxgtuwomBx
— Variety (@Variety) March 16, 2026
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
Please support us with a donation.
Click here to get your business activity or services listed on our DIRECTORY.