Overview
- While presenting Best International Feature at the 98th Academy Awards, Bardem said, “No to war and Free Palestine,” drawing audible applause in the Dolby Theatre.
- On the red carpet he wore a “No a la Guerra” pin he first used in 2003 to protest the Iraq war and a Handala emblem, describing the latter as a Palestinian symbol of resistance.
- In interviews before the ceremony he accused President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of creating “another illegal war,” referring to U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
- After leaving the stage he told outlets that Palestinians are facing genocide and ethnic cleansing and cited human-rights abuses in the West Bank.
- The moment drew swift online criticism accusing him of anti-Israel positions and questioning the Academy’s platform, while Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s silent nod beside him went viral as the “Daal Gadot” meme and coverage noted other political pins worn at the event.