Cannes 2026 juror slams Hollywood for 'blacklisting' Susan Sarandon, Mark Ruffalo over Gaza views

CANNES, FRANCE: Hollywood’s cancel culture has long been debated, and now Scottish screenwriter Paul Laverty has brought the issue back into focus by calling out what he described as the sidelining of actors like Susan Sarandon, Mark Ruffalo, and Javier Bardem.

The actors have been outspoken about the Israel-Gaza war, publicly expressing their views and raising concerns over the loss of civilian lives, including women and children in Gaza. Their activism has repeatedly sparked backlash and criticism within sections of the entertainment industry.

Paul Laverty slams Hollywood for ‘blacklisting’ Susan Sarandon, Mark Ruffalo, and Javier Bardem

At the 79th Cannes Film Festival, Laverty reportedly criticized the Hollywood fraternity, alleging that the actors have been “blacklisted” for their positions. He also suggested that Hollywood should be “ashamed” of how it treats artists who speak out on political and humanitarian issues.

Laverty said, “Cannes has a wonderful poster [of Thelma & Louise]. Isn’t it fascinating to see some of them like Susan Sarandon, Javier Bardem and Mark Ruffalo blacklisted because of their views in opposing the loss of women and children in Gaza? Shame on Hollywood people who do that. My respect and total solidarity to them. They’re the best of us, I look up to them.”

He added, “I just hope we don’t get bombed now,” describing it as a light remark. Speaking further, Laverty also reflected on the festival itself, saying it celebrates “diversities, imaginations, tenderness” and contrasts with “systematic violence” in the world.

He said he looked forward to the “contradictions, ideas, duty and inspiration” the festival brings, adding that he was excited to begin the experience with the stories and characters being showcased, including the 'Thelma & Louise' character associated with Sarandon.

What did Susan Sarandon, Mark Ruffalo, and Javier Bardem say about the Israel-Gaza war?

Three well-known Hollywood actors have openly spoken about the Israel-Gaza conflict and used their platform to share their views. Susan Sarandon, an Oscar-winning actor, has attended several rallies in support of Palestine during the war. In video clips, she encouraged people to keep speaking up.

She said, “People are questioning, people are standing up, people are educating themselves, people are stepping away from brainwashing that started when they were kids,” she said at a rally.  She also added, “be strong, be patient, be clear and stand with anybody who has the courage to speak out” and thanked “the Jewish community who have come out to have our backs.”

Mark Ruffalo has also spoken out many times. He is often seen wearing pins at public events and talking about the issue in interviews. In a 2025 appearance on Mehdi Hasan’s show We’re Not Kidding, he spoke about his long-term support for Palestine and what he called a strong “propaganda machine” behind Israel and its allies. 

Ruffalo, who has faced criticism for his views, became emotional while talking about the human impact. “I'm a humanist, okay? What's happening there is inhumane,” he said. “It's heartbreaking, man.”

Javier Bardem has also shared his thoughts in past interviews. Speaking to The Guardian in 2021, he said that even though winning an Oscar for 'No Country for Old Men' felt special at the time, it did not feel very meaningful in the long run. He added that he does not believe awards should rank actors or art, and sees them more as short moments than real measures of value.