Emmys 2025: Javier Bardem denounces genocide in Gaza; says, 'I cannot work with someone that supports the genocide'

Javier Bardem wears a keffiyeh as he poses on the red carpet at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 14, 2025. REUTERS/

Spanish actor Javier Bardem attended the 2025 Emmy Awards and made a strong political statement on the red carpet. He voiced for solidarity with Palestinians and called for accountability within the film industry. Bardem also sported a keffiyeh scarf — a widely recognised symbol of Palestinian identity and resistance — and aligned himself with the activist collective Film Workers for Palestine.

Speaking to Variety, Bardem said he was compelled to use the platform to call out what he described as crimes against humanity in Gaza. “Here I am today, denouncing the genocide in Gaza,” Bardem said. “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.”

Javier Bardem wears a keffiyeh as he poses on the red carpet at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 14, 2025. REUTERS/

The actor further stressed his personal stance on professional collaborations, “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.”

Javier Bardem’s remarks come in the wake of a sweeping pledge signed by over 3900 industry professionals last week. Organised by Film Workers for Palestine, the statement commits signatories to avoiding partnerships with Israeli film institutions and companies accused of being complicit in “genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.” The pledge cites complicity in forms such as “whitewashing or justifying genocide and apartheid, and/or partnering with the government committing them.”

Complete List of Emmy Awards 2025 Winners 

Major studios have already begun to react. Paramount issued a response on Friday, opposing the boycott, “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 company said in a statement.

Bardem directly addressed Paramount’s stance, “Film Workers for Palestine do not target any individuals based on identity. The targets are those film companies and institutions that are complicit and are white-washing or justifying the genocide and its apartheid regime. We do stand with those who are helping and being supportive of the oppressed people.”

Javier Bardem is among several prominent figures who signed the pledge, alongside Yorgos Lanthimos, Ava DuVernay, Asif Kapadia, Emma Stone, Olivia Colman, Adam McKay, Riz Ahmed, Tilda Swinton, and Mark Ruffalo, among others.

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