Javier Bardem wears “No to war”, Palestinian Handala pin at Oscars 2026

• Javier Bardem voices support for Palestine while presenting at the Oscars.

Spanish actor Javier Bardem made a political statement at the 2026 Academy Awards while presenting the International Feature Film category, appearing on stage wearing a “No to war” pin along with a “Palestine Handala” symbol.

The Oscar-winning actor has been increasingly vocal in his support for Palestinians and his criticism of the war in Gaza. Earlier this year, Bardem said he would refuse to work with individuals or institutions that “justify or support the genocide” in Gaza, aligning himself with a growing group of film professionals calling for a boycott of Israeli film institutions they consider complicit in the conflict.

The pledge, first published in September 2025, has attracted more than 3,900 signatories from across the global film industry, including actors, directors, and other cultural figures. Supporters argue the initiative is an ethical response to the humanitarian crisis, while critics say cultural exchange and artistic dialogue should remain open.

Bardem has previously used high-profile platforms to express his views. At the 2025 Emmy Awards, he walked the red carpet wearing a keffiyeh, a symbol of Palestinian solidarity, and repeated his condemnation of what he described as a genocide in Gaza.

In recent days, the actor also shared a message on social media highlighting the humanitarian situation in the enclave, warning that the crisis continues as restrictions on aid worsen conditions for civilians.

His remarks and visible gestures at the Oscars underscore the widening debate within Hollywood and the international arts community over how artists should respond to geopolitical conflicts and humanitarian crises.