Spanish superstar Javier Bardem used his platform at the 98th Academy Awards to voice his support for Palestine.
While taking the stage to announce the winner for Best International Feature Film, Bardem delivered a pointed message: “No to war… Free Palestine.”
The Oscar-winning actor also made a significant symbolic statement by reviving the protest pin he famously wore in 2003 to oppose the US war in Iraq—this time using it to denounce the current conflict in Iran.
He paired it with a second pin explicitly bearing the word “Palestine.”
The 98th Academy Awards took place Monday morning at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, honoring the cinematic achievements of 2025 across acting, directing, production, and musical score.
For the second consecutive year, Emmy-winning writer and comedian Conan O’Brien hosted the ceremony.
As per tradition, the Academy presented awards across 24 categories. While most categories featured five nominees, the highly coveted Best Picture award saw nine films competing for the world’s most prestigious cinematic honor.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
