Javier Bardem has criticised Hollywood's stars for their lack of activism at the 97th Academy Awards, suggesting that many in the industry are too 'comfortable' to speak out on political issues.
Speaking to The Independent backstage, the Spanish actor noted that while the room applauded when he declared 'No to war and free Palestine' while presenting the Best International Feature Film award, the overall support was not loud enough. 'I think it's comfortable-ness,' Bardem said. 'They don't want to feel, themselves, uncomfortable. And that makes me uncomfortable; me and many others.'
Bardem wore a patch reading 'no a la guerra' (Spanish for 'no to war'), a symbol he first used to protest the Iraq war over two decades ago. He encouraged his peers to embrace their dual roles as filmmakers and citizens, stating, 'Guys, it's OK. You can be part of the community of film-making, and also be a citizen.'
The 57-year-old has long been outspoken on the Palestinian cause. Last month, he was among 81 artists who signed an open letter to the Berlin Film Festival organisers, questioning 'institutional silence on the genocide of Palestinians.' In June, while appearing on US talk show The View, Bardem said he 'suffers on a daily basis' due to events in Gaza, before the show cut to an advert break.
This year's Oscars saw fewer political statements compared to earlier awards shows like the Golden Globes and Grammys, where stars wore pins with slogans such as 'Be Good' and 'ICE Out.' However, the filmmakers behind the nominated documentary The Voice of Hind Rajab wore a red Artists4Ceasefire pin on the red carpet.
