Javier Bardem Stands for Palestine at Emmys: Refuses to Work with Companies Backing Genocide

Javier Bardem made a bold statement on the red carpet at the 2025 Emmy Awards, showing his support for Palestine and the Film Workers for Palestine movement.

Wearing a keffiyeh scarf, Bardem spoke to Variety’s Marc Malkin, making his stance very clear. “I cannot work with someone who justifies or supports the genocide,” he said.

He continued, “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.”

In the days before the Emmys, an open pledge was signed by 3,900 industry professionals through Film Workers for Palestine.

The pledge commits signees not to work with Israeli institutions or companies seen as complicit in genocide or apartheid against Palestinians. It specifically targets companies that “whitewash or justify genocide and apartheid, and/or partner with the government committing them.”

Paramount issued a response, defending Israeli filmmakers and condemning the boycott. The studio stated, “Silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality does not promote better understanding or advance the cause of peace… The global entertainment industry should be encouraging artists to tell their stories and share their ideas with audiences throughout the world. We need more engagement and communication — not less.”

Bardem clarified his position in response to Paramount, saying the pledge is not aimed at individuals but at institutions involved in justifying or supporting the violence. “I cannot work with someone that justifies or supports the genocide. That’s as simple as that. We shouldn’t be able to do that, in this industry or any other industry,” he said.

Bardem joined other notable Hollywood figures who signed the pledge, including Yorgos Lanthimos, Ava DuVernay, Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Olivia Colman, Tilda Swinton, and Gael Garcia Bernal, among others.

At the Emmys, Bardem was nominated for his role as José Menendez in the Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, competing in the category for outstanding supporting actor in a limited or anthology series or movie.

This is a strong moment where a high-profile actor used the red carpet as a platform to speak about human rights and the responsibilities of the entertainment industry. Bardem’s stance highlights a growing movement among artists to link their work to social and political issues. What do you think about Hollywood stars taking a public stand on conflicts like this? Share your thoughts in the comments.