At the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, Spanish actor Javier Bardem used his red carpet appearance to make a powerful political statement. Wearing a keffiyeh scarf, Bardem voiced his support for Palestinian rights and condemned what he referred to as the ongoing “genocide in Gaza.”
“Free Palestine” — Bardem’s Message to the World
Speaking to Variety on the red carpet, Bardem said, “Here I am today, denouncing the genocide in Gaza.” He referenced the International Association of Genocide Scholars, who have identified the situation in Gaza as genocide, and called for diplomatic sanctions and a commercial blockade against Israel.
When asked why he chose to speak up when many celebrities avoid political commentary, Bardem responded simply:
“Because I’m a human being, I’m a father, and I can’t take any more of what’s going on.”
Javier Bardem en los Emmys 2025:
— KmayTv | Cine + Series + Tecnología + Gaming (@KMay_TV) September 14, 2025
“Aquí estoy hoy denunciando el genocidio en Gaza… ¡Free Palestine!”
(vía @Variety) #JavierBardem #Emmys2025 #FreePalestine #AlfombraRojaConMensaje
pic.twitter.com/7FuZX6qrtO
Support for Film Workers for Palestine
Bardem also highlighted the pledge organised by Film Workers for Palestine, which he and over 3,900 filmmakers, actors, and crew have signed. The pledge calls for a refusal to work with Israeli institutions and companies tied to genocide and apartheid. Signatories include Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Riz Ahmed, Ayo Edebiri, Yorgos Lanthimos, and Mark Ruffalo.
Response to Industry Backlash
Following criticism from studios like Paramount, Bardem clarified:
“Film Workers for Palestine do not target individuals based on identity. We oppose companies and institutions complicit in whitewashing genocide.”
He added, “I cannot work with someone who justifies or supports the genocide. It’s as simple as that.”
Also Read: ‘Namaste’ Steals the Show! Stephen Graham’s Epic Emmy Speech Gets Praise from Priyanka Chopra
He may have been the villain in Skyfall but he’s the hero on tonight’s Emmys red carpet.
— Elie D. Al-Chaer (@DrAlChaer) September 15, 2025
Javier Bardem: “Here I am today, denouncing the genocide in Gaza. I can’t work with any film or TV company that justifies or supports the genocide. Free Palestine!" #JavierBardem #Emmys pic.twitter.com/yrFzoX9qQF
Bardem at the Emmys
Javier Bardem attended the Emmys as a nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actor in Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.
