In an interview posted on YouTube on June 12, actor Javier Bardem said that publicly criticizing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has brought him more work opportunities, not harmed his career.
“There were people who told me: ‘Don’t do that, they won’t hire you anymore, they won’t let you act in films again.’ But the opposite happened. I received more offers from filmmakers who feel responsible to speak about these things,” Bardem shared.
The Spanish star, who won an Oscar for his role in No Country for Old Men, has been one of the most outspoken Hollywood figures on the Gaza conflict. He signed an open letter from a group of artists urging U.S. President Joe Biden to support an immediate ceasefire and criticizing Israel’s attacks on Palestinian civilians.
Bardem, who is married to actress Penélope Cruz, has described Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” and called on the international community to act to prevent a humanitarian tragedy. In the latest interview, he said he has no regrets about speaking out, despite potential criticism or backlash.
Bardem’s remarks reflect a growing trend among artists willing to voice opinions on sensitive political and social issues without fear of career repercussions; in fact, doing so may attract more collaborations with like-minded filmmakers.
