Award seasons have often provided a stage for celebrities to express their political views and the 98th Academy Awards was no different. Actor Javier Bardem used the moment to speak out against war and call for Palestine’s freedom.
He arrived on stage with Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas to present the award for the Best International Feature Film. The No Country For Old Men actor, who arrived wearing a ‘No to War’ pin, said on stage, “No to war and Free Palestine.”
His statement was met with loud cheers from the audience, while Priyanka was seen smiling and subtly nodding. The award in the category ultimately went to the Norwegian film Sentimental Value.
“No to war, and free Palestine.” – Javier Bardem at the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/HJHMdxOfDd
— ð�šŠð�š›ð�š’ð�š” (@arikbeyhive) March 16, 2026
Earlier on the red carpet, Bardem was seen wearing a ‘No a la Guerra’ pin which translates to ‘No to war.’
He revealed that it was the same badge he wore in 2003 to protest against the Iraq war, and now he wears it for Iran.
Speaking on the red carpet, the actor said, “I’m wearing a pin that I used in 2003 with the Iraq war, which was an illegal war. And we are here, 23 years after, with another illegal war [led] by Trump and Netanyahu, and creating a lot of damage and innocent people being killed and bombed.”
He also wore a second badge in support of Palestine that featured a drawing of Handala, the iconic character created in 1969 by Palestinian cartoonist Naji al-Ali. It is widely regarded as a symbol of Palestinian resistance.
#ESpectáculosVT 🗣ï¸� Javier Bardem alza la voz en los #Oscars2026. El actor español apareció en la alfombra roja portando el mismo pin de “No a la guerra” que usó hace 23 años contra la invasión de Irak
Vía @TheWrap pic.twitter.com/njA1o1IzUC
— xevt – xhvt (@xevtfm) March 16, 2026
Meanwhile, talking of Priyanka, this appearance marked another milestone in her long-standing association with the Academy Awards. Priyanka first presented at the 2016 Oscars, where she shared the stage with Liev Schreiber to present the Best Film Editing award.
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