ALBAWABA - Renowned Spanish actor Javier Bardem recently made a political statement at the 2026 Oscars in Los Angeles, California, calling for a "Free Palestine" and an end to the ongoing Israel-US war with Iran.
Standing on stage alongside Indian actress Priyanka Chopra, Bardem wore a small "No to war" paper and a Handala pin, an iconic symbol of a character that captures defiance and Palestinian identity. The Spanish actor has long voiced his solidarity with Palestine since the start of Israel's aggression on Oct. 7, 2023.
He also recently joined the "Film Workers for Palestine" movement alongside 3,900 creatives, including actors and filmmakers who vowed to boycott Israeli film institutions and companies linked to them.
Javier Bardem at the Oscars: No to war and Free Palestine
Previously, Bardem attended the Emmy Awards wearing a Kuffiyeh to show solidarity with Palestinians, describing what's happening in Gaza as a genocide.
Additionally, the Spanish actor told a reporter at the Oscars, "I’m wearing a pin I used to wear in 2003 during the illegal war in Iraq. Now, 23 years later, another illegal war has begun, led by Trump and Netanyahu. I also stand with Palestine."
Bardem likened what's happening in Iran to when the US invaded Iraq in 2003 under the name "Operation Iraqi Freedom," which aimed to dispose of Saddam Hussein.
Actress Charithra Chandran, best known for starring in Bridgerton and Netflix's live-action adaptation of One Piece, was also spotted wearing a pin calling for a ceasefire.
