At the 98th Academy Awards, actor Javier Bardem delivered one of the evening’s most talked-about moments by expressing support for Palestine while presenting the Oscar for Best International Feature Film alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
As the pair appeared on stage at the Dolby Theatre, Bardem opened with the words “No to war and free Palestine,” earning a strong round of applause from the audience.
The Spanish actor also wore two pins on his tuxedo lapel - one reading “No to War” and another showing support for Palestine - underscoring his anti-war message during the live broadcast.
Chopra Jonas stood beside him at the podium, smiling and nodding as Bardem delivered his statement, before the two continued presenting the nominees.
Bardem has been an outspoken critic of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, calling for international pressure on Israel and citing statements from the International Association of Genocide Scholars to support sanctions and diplomatic action.
Earlier this year, he was among more than 100 film industry professionals who signed an open letter criticizing the Berlin International Film Festival for silence on Gaza and alleged censorship of filmmakers speaking out about the conflict.
The moment quickly went viral online, with clips spreading across social media platforms such as X and Reddit, where many users praised Bardem for using the Oscars stage to voice his stance.
Reactions also focused on Chopra Jonas, with some questioning why the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, who has worked with the organization since 2006, did not comment publicly on the statement or the broader conflict, despite her humanitarian role.
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