Javier Bardem has been a vocal advocate for Palestine, and as a way to show his support for the cause, he walked the Emmy 2025 red carpet wearing a keffiyeh scarf. The garment became his unspoken support for the Film Workers for Palestine. The actor further reflected on the conditions in Palestine in a conversation with Variety’s Marc Malkin, and stated that he ‘cannot work with someone who justifies or supports the genocide.’
Javier Bardem voices his support for Palestine on the Emmy 2025 red carpet
Speaking to Variety on the red carpet, Javier Bardem shared that the International Association of Genocide Scholars had declared what happened in Gaza was a genocide, and he was at the red carpet to denounce the same. He added that they were asking for sanctions on Israel to stop the attacks. He was quoted as saying:
“Here I am today, denouncing the genocide in Gaza. I am talking about the IAGS, the International Association of Genocide Scholars, who study genocide thoroughly and has declared it to be a genocide. That’s why we ask for a commercial and diplomatic blockade and also sanctions on Israel to stop the genocide. Free Palestine.”
Javier Bardem takes an oath not to work with anyone who supported or tried to justify the genocide
In the week leading up to the Emmys, over 3,900 industry names signed an open pledge organised by Film Workers for Palestine and declared the signees will not work with Israeli institutions and film companies that are ‘implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.’ The pledge stated that examples of complicity in the attack, which include ‘whitewashing or justifying genocide and apartheid, and/or partnering with the government committing them.’
Paramount responded to the letter on September 12, 2025, by issuing a statement condemning a boycott against the Israeli film and television industry. The letter quoted Paramount as believing in the power of storytelling to connect and inspire people, promote mutual understanding, and preserve the moments, ideas, and events that shape the world they share. The statement further read:
“We do not agree with recent efforts to boycott Israeli filmmakers. Silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality does not promote better understanding or advance the cause of peace. The global entertainment industry should encourage artists to share their stories and ideas with audiences worldwide. We need more engagement and communication — not less.”
Javier Bardem responded to the letter from Paramount and mentioned an association called Film Workers for Palestine. He added that he wants to clarify something based on Paramount’s letter, that it does not target any individuals based on identity. However, their goal is to target those film companies and institutions that are complicit and are whitewashing or justifying the genocide. He further stated:
“We do stand with those who are helping and being supportive of the oppressed people. I cannot work with someone who 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.”
Celebrities who have signed the pledge
Javier Bardem signed the letter alongside Hollywood filmmakers like Yorgos Lanthimos, Ava DuVernay, Asif Kapadia, Emma Seligman, Boots Riley, Adam McKay, Olivia Colman, Ayo Edebiri, Mark Ruffalo, Riz Ahmed, Tilda Swinton, Lily Gladstone, Hannah Einbinder, Gael Garcia Bernal, Melissa Barrera and Emma Stone, among others.
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