Why did Javier Bardem’s photos spread like wildfire on social media?
Social media erupted in the past few hours following the appearance of Spanish star Javier Bardem at the 2025 Emmy Awards, where he wore a Palestinian keffiyeh. His gesture captured the attention of millions worldwide, with many hailing him as a symbol of responsible stardom and humanitarian advocacy, particularly for his support of the Gaza Strip.
The 77th Emmy Awards ceremony took place Sunday evening at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, bringing together a stellar lineup of Hollywood’s brightest stars for one of the most significant events in the television drama world. On the red carpet, celebrities shone with standout looks, but Bardem made a particularly striking statement by wearing the Palestinian keffiyeh, signaling his solidarity with the people of Gaza and his condemnation of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region. He also expressed support for the organization “Cinema Workers for Palestine.”
In an interview with Variety magazine, Bardem stated: “I cannot work with those who justify or support genocide. I condemn the genocide in Gaza.”
Bardem’s stance comes a week after the launch of an open pledge signed by around 3,900 film industry professionals, organized by “Cinema Workers for Palestine,” affirming that they would not collaborate with Israeli film companies involved in “genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.”
He signed the pledge alongside some of the world’s most prominent filmmakers and actors, including Yorgos Lanthimos, Ava DuVernay, Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Riz Ahmed, Olivia Colman, Tilda Swinton, Gael García Bernal, Melissa Barrera, and others, amplifying the message he aimed to send to the international community regarding the Palestinian cause.
Bardem attended the ceremony as a nominee for his role in the crime series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” on Netflix, where he was up for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Movie for his portrayal of José Menéndez—combining artistic achievement with a powerful humanitarian statement before millions.