Emmy Awards: Celebrities call out Israel’s ‘genocide’ on Gaza
The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards turned into a platform for political statements on Sunday as several Hollywood stars used their appearances to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and call for action against Israel.
Spanish actor Javier Bardem, draped in a traditional Palestinian keffiyeh, denounced what he described as “genocide” in Gaza while walking the red carpet.
Bardem cited the International Association of Genocide Scholars’ declaration that the conflict meets the criteria for genocide and urged the international community to impose “commercial and diplomatic sanctions” on Israel.
He also voiced support for the Film Workers for Palestine pledge, an initiative backed by hundreds of industry professionals refusing to collaborate with institutions accused of complicity in the war.
“The boycott is aimed at institutions, not individuals,” Bardem said, adding that silence from cultural bodies and public figures amounts to complicity.
The calls continued inside the Peacock Theater.
Hannah Einbinder, who won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy for “Hacks”, ended her acceptance speech with the remarks: “Go Birds, f— ICE, and Free Palestine.”
The expletive was censored during the live broadcast, but her message drew loud applause from the audience.
Einbinder also wore a red Artists4Ceasefire pin on her gown, a symbol adopted by many celebrities during award shows, premiers, and events.
‘The White Lotus’ nominees Aimee Lou Wood and Natasha Rothwell, as well as ‘Abbott Elementary’s’ Chris Perfettie were also seen wearing the pins.
‘Too Much’ and ‘Hacks’ star Meg Stalter was seen carrying a bag with the words “CEASE FIRE!” emblazoned on it.
“It’s the most important to stick up for people and for peace… We have to use our platforms. What’s the point of being at these big events if you’re not going to use your privilege?” she said in a red-carpet interview.
Like Bardem and Einbinder, many at the award show were among the more than 1,300 signatories of the Film Workers for Palestine pledge.
The Emmys came against the backdrop of worsening conditions in Gaza, where international agencies have warned of severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
The International Association of Genocide Scholars said earlier this month that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide, intensifying pressure on global leaders to act.
For many of the artists who spoke out, the night was not just about entertainment but about refusing to remain silent.
As Bardem put it on the red carpet, “We cannot look away.”
