LOS ANGELES — Susan Sarandon revealed she is still experiencing professional consequences in Hollywood due to her vocal support for Palestine, saying films continue to be pulled after her public advocacy.
Sarandon made the remarks at a Venice Film Festival press conference on Sunday, promoting her new movie “The Echo Chamber.” When asked whether attitudes were shifting in the film industry regarding the Gaza conflict, she pointed to what she called a fundamental change in public understanding.
“I think the narrative has completely changed in terms of historical relevance of Palestine and the ties of Zionists with America and our politics — that has been a major revelation for people,” Sarandon said. “How much money the United States gives to Israel, nobody really understood that.”
The Oscar-winning actress, who was dropped by her agency UTA in 2023 following comments made at a pro-Palestinian rally, added that she continues to face industry resistance.
“I’ve still had movies taken away recently because there are agencies that are telling people not to hire me still,” she said. “But that’s the power structure. I think within the people, certainly internationally, I feel welcome.”
Sarandon praised Italian director Andrea Pallaoro for refusing to heed warnings about working with her. “I thank Andrea for that, because he doesn’t listen to the warnings,” she said. Pallaoro helmed the romantic drama, which also stars Luca Marinelli and Alicia Vikander. It marks the final screenplay from the late Bernardo Bertolucci.
The actress concluded by noting a generational divide in the industry.
“There has been a change in terms of the general public, but there are still positions in my industry that are held by Zionists who have not relaxed their feelings towards me,” she said. “But I found my family, I found my people and I’m OK.”
Sarandon’s comments reflect ongoing tensions between Hollywood’s creative community and the political establishments that influence casting, financing, and distribution decisions in the film industry.
She’s brave, but I wonder how many other silenced voices never get this platform at all.
I think the industry is going through an uncomfortable but necessary reckoning here.
Has anyone checked whether those pulled films were actually budget-level projects though?
Venice really seems to embrace her, unlike some American outlets. Good sign.
This is deeply concerning. An actor shouldn’t lose work over political speech.