LOS ANGELES March 15, 2026 – At the 98th Academy Awards held in Los Angeles, Spanish actor Javier Bardem turned heads not just for his nomination in the Best Supporting Actor category for his role in the critically acclaimed film Sirat, but for reviving a protest pin from over two decades ago. The Oscar winner, known for his outspoken views on global conflicts, wore his “No a la Guerra” (“No to War”) badge—originally donned during the 2003 Oscars to oppose the U.S. invasion of Iraq—to condemn the ongoing war in Iran.
The moment was captured in a video shared by The Hollywood Reporter on X (formerly Twitter), showing Bardem on the red carpet engaging with reporters. Dressed in a sharp brown suit, the 57-year-old actor pointed to the green rectangular pin emblazoned with red lettering, paired with a circular button featuring the iconic Handala character—a symbol of Palestinian resistance created by cartoonist Naji al-Ali—and the text “Artists4Ceasefire.” The gesture harkens back to Bardem’s history of activism; in 2003, amid the Iraq War, he used his platform to call for peace, stating during interviews that “war is not the solution.”
This year’s Oscars come against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East, where U.S. and Israeli forces have been involved in military operations against Iran following a series of airstrikes, including a controversial attack on a girls’ school in late February that drew international condemnation. Bardem, who has previously voiced support for Palestinian causes—such as wearing a keffiyeh at the 2025 Emmy Awards and a Palestine pin at the F1 film premiere in June 2025—appears to be drawing parallels between past and present conflicts.
In the THR clip, Bardem passionately gestures while speaking to a microphone, emphasizing his message. Although the exact words from the interview weren’t transcribed in the post, sources close to the event report that he urged for an immediate ceasefire and highlighted the human cost of the war, echoing sentiments from his earlier protests. “I’ve kept this pin for years because history repeats itself,” Bardem reportedly said, according to eyewitness accounts shared on social media.
The actor’s statement has sparked a wave of reactions online. Supporters praised his consistency and bravery. One X user, @abierkhatib, commented, “Habibi is wearing the Handala pin!! my heart 💜,” referring affectionately to Bardem and the symbolic button. Others, however, criticized the move. @Di69K0, identifying as from Iraq, responded, “As someone from iraq, USA saved our ass from a dictator killer who killed 5000 of my people in one morning. Who are u to talk about what’s right and what’s wrong. Shut up.” Conservative commentator @HollywoodInToto quipped, “Wait … Kings are GOOD now?” in reference to monarchies or perhaps a misinterpretation, while @ChrisNewtonLV called Bardem “an irrelevant idiot whose opinion is meaningless.”
Bardem’s activism aligns with a broader trend at recent award shows. At the 2026 Grammys, celebrities wore “ICE Out” pins to protest immigration policies, and in previous years, stars like Susan Sarandon have used red carpets to advocate for peace. The 2003 Oscars, held shortly after the Iraq invasion, saw similar displays, including peace signs from Sarandon and Tim Robbins.
Despite the divided opinions, Bardem’s appearance underscores Hollywood’s ongoing intersection with global politics. As Iran’s filmmakers and protesters face crackdowns—amid reports of internet shutdowns and detentions following anti-regime demonstrations—voices like Bardem’s amplify calls for international attention. Iran’s Oscar submission this year, The President’s Cake, directed by Hasan Hadi, is also generating buzz, highlighting the country’s cinematic resilience amid turmoil.
Bardem did not win the Oscar last night, with the award going to Mark Ruffalo for his role in All That’s Left of You, a film Bardem executive-produced alongside Ruffalo. Nonetheless, his pin ensured the night’s conversations extended far beyond the trophies.
Life News Agency will continue to monitor developments in the Iran conflict and celebrity responses. For more updates, follow @lifenewshqx on X.
About The Author
