Susan Sarandon Applauds Spain's Pro-Gaza Position and Reveals Hollywood Backlash
Veteran Hollywood actress and Oscar winner Susan Sarandon delivered a powerful endorsement of the Spanish government's stance on the Gaza conflict during a press conference in Barcelona on Friday. Visibly emotional, Sarandon declared that Spain is "on the right side of history" for its vocal support of Palestine.
"Spain Is Doing an Incredible Job," Says Emotional Sarandon
"I think Spain is doing an incredible job," Sarandon stated, her voice trembling as she addressed reporters. She specifically praised Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and acclaimed actors like Oscar-winner Javier Bardem for their strong public advocacy. Sarandon emphasized the moral clarity of Spain's position, noting its significant emotional impact.
"When you turn on the TV and see how strong Spain is and how clear you are morally on these issues, it makes you feel less alone," the actress remarked, highlighting the isolation many feel when advocating for Palestinian rights on the global stage.
Sarandon Reveals Hollywood Exclusion Over Ceasefire Activism
In a candid revelation about her recent absence from major films, Sarandon disclosed that her activism directly led to professional repercussions. "I was fired by my agency for marching and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza," she explained. This action created a substantial barrier to her career in mainstream American entertainment.
"It even became impossible for me to appear on TV. I couldn't do any major film or anything connected with Hollywood," Sarandon added, detailing the extent of the blacklisting she experienced. Consequently, she has shifted her focus to international and independent projects.
"I found agents ultimately in England and Italy and I work there. I just did a film in Italy," she shared. Sarandon recounted an instance where a talent director was explicitly instructed not to hire her but chose to ignore the directive. She now primarily works on small-scale films with new directors and within the independent film circuit.
Sarandon Highlights Censorship in the U.S., Praises Spain's Leadership
The star of "Thelma and Louise" described Spain's position as "so important," particularly when contrasted with the United States, which she characterized as "a place where you feel repression and censorship." Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has emerged as one of Europe's most vocal critics of Israel's military actions in Gaza, notably becoming the highest-ranking European leader to label the conflict a "genocide."
Sarandon expressed deep admiration for Sanchez's consistent stance. "Whenever I have seen him, he has been on the right side of history and also said it in a very clear way," she said, also humorously describing him as "handsome and tall." In response, Sanchez thanked Sarandon on social media platform X, calling her public statement "so moving" and acknowledging the respect Spain holds for her.
Lifetime Achievement Honor in Barcelona
Susan Sarandon is currently in Barcelona to accept a lifetime achievement award at Spain's prestigious Goya Awards, the country's top film honors. The actress, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1996 for her role as a nun in "Dead Man Walking," continues to be recognized for her impactful career and principled activism on the world stage.
