Javier Bardem made a bold political statement on the Emmy Awards red carpet by donning a keffiyeh scarf, a traditional Middle Eastern garment that has become a widely recognized symbol of Palestinian identity and resistance. His choice of attire was more than just a fashion statement; it was a deliberate act to raise awareness about what he described as a “genocide” occurring in Gaza.
When questioned about his striking choice, the acclaimed Spanish actor, known for his roles in films like No Country for Old Men, Skyfall, and F1, stated, “At the end of August, the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) declared that what is happening in Gaza qualifies as genocide. We demand an end to the commercial and diplomatic blockade and sanctions on Israel. Free Palestine.”
The IAGS is the largest professional association globally for experts studying genocide, comprising scholars, researchers, and academics from various fields, including Holocaust studies, history, and sociology. Their recent findings concluded that Israel's actions in Gaza align with the United Nations' definition of genocide. A detailed three-page resolution highlighted issues such as widespread attacks on healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid, as well as the deaths and injuries of tens of thousands of children. It also noted the support for forced expulsions among Israeli leaders, the near-total demolition of homes, and the dehumanizing rhetoric directed at Palestinians.
In response to the IAGS report, the Israeli Foreign Ministry dismissed the findings, claiming they were based on “Hamas lies” and flawed research. A spokesperson characterized the report as an “embarrassment to the legal profession” and asserted that Israel is the actual victim of genocide.
Bardem's statement at the Emmys comes amid a growing wave of initiatives within the entertainment industry voicing opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Over 1,300 artists, including prominent Hollywood figures like Olivia Colman, Tilda Swinton, Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Riz Ahmed, and Bardem himself, have pledged not to collaborate with Israeli film institutions they believe are complicit in “genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.”
This pledge, initiated by Film Makers for Palestine, has garnered support from renowned directors and actors such as Ken Loach, Yórgos Lánthimos, Asif Kapadia, Joshua Oppenheimer, Lily Gladstone, Ayo Edebiri, Brian Cox, Josh O’Connor, Rebecca Hall, Benedict Wong, Gael García Bernal, and Susan Sarandon. The collective statement emphasizes the influential role of cinema in shaping public perceptions and calls for action during this critical moment.
The pledge urges industry professionals to reject silence, racism, and dehumanization, advocating for a boycott of Israeli film institutions—including festivals, cinemas, broadcasters, and production companies—that are believed to be complicit in human rights violations. As the situation in Gaza continues to escalate, the entertainment industry is increasingly using its platform to speak out against the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
