Bardem: Fear exists, but there is no retreat

Javier Bardem believes that the climate is changing in Hollywood when it comes to publicly expressing views on Palestine and says that "everyone is starting to understand" that blacklists in the industry were "unacceptable."

The Oscar winner is in Cannes for his new film "The Beloved," where he spoke about whether he ever feared repercussions for criticizing the war in Gaza. Bardem has been an outspoken advocate for Palestine for years, and at the Oscars he said "no to war and free Palestine."

"Fear exists, of course, but you have to do things even when you're afraid," he said, according to Variety.

"You have to have the strength to look at yourself in the mirror. That's how I was raised. There's no plan B. It has consequences, but I'm ready to accept them," the actor emphasizes.

He then spoke about the changes he sees in Hollywood, recalling that actress Susan Sarandon previously claimed she was "blacklisted" after calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Bardem, however, states that he personally receives numerous offers for engagements from the USA, Europe, South America and Spain.

"This leads me to believe that narratives are changing. Everyone is starting to understand, especially the younger generations who are more aware of everything that happens through social media and screens. I think those who create so-called blacklists will eventually be exposed and suffer the consequences, at least on a social level. That's a big change," he is sure.

He added that, in his opinion, the genocide in Gaza is "an undeniable fact" and that anyone who justifies it with silence or support bears responsibility.