No to war and free Palestine. This powerful declaration from actor Javier Bardem resonated throughout the Dolby Theatre during the 98th Academy Awards held on March 15, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. Bardem, who presented the award for Best International Feature Film, used the platform to voice his long-standing support for the Palestinian cause, a topic he has been passionate about for many years.
As he took to the stage, Bardem wore a pin emblazoned with the phrase ‘No a la guerra’, which translates to ‘No to war’ in Spanish. This pin, which he first donned in 2003 to protest the Iraq war, served as a poignant reminder of his commitment to activism. The actor also sported another pin featuring the character Handala, a symbol of Palestinian solidarity.
Bardem’s statement came in the wake of a devastating conflict in Gaza, where over 72,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched a military operation in October 2023. The ongoing violence has resulted in approximately 172,000 injuries and the destruction of 90% of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure. His remarks were not only timely but also underscored the urgency of addressing humanitarian crises.
Following his declaration, the audience erupted in applause, a moment that Bardem described as significant. “When I said ‘free Palestine’ in the room, in that theatre, the room broke [out] in a round of applause,” he recalled, highlighting the supportive atmosphere that his words generated among attendees. This reaction reflects a growing awareness and willingness within Hollywood to engage with pressing global issues.
However, Bardem did not shy away from criticizing the entertainment industry for its perceived inaction. He stated, “I think it’s comfortable-ness. I think they don’t want to feel, themselves, uncomfortable. And that makes me uncomfortable; me and many others.” His comments point to a broader conversation about the responsibility of artists and public figures to use their platforms for advocacy.
In addition to his Oscars appearance, Bardem was one of 81 artists who signed an open letter addressing the Berlin Film Festival, calling attention to what they termed Palestinian genocide. This collective action signifies a growing movement among artists to speak out against injustices and advocate for change.
As the world continues to grapple with the implications of the conflict in Gaza, Bardem’s statements at the Oscars have reignited discussions about the role of Hollywood in activism. The applause he received serves as a reminder that there is a significant audience ready to engage with these critical issues. The next steps for Bardem and his fellow artists remain to be seen, but their voices are increasingly becoming part of the narrative surrounding global humanitarian crises.
