‘No to this illegal war’: Hollywood celebs raise concerns over Iran conflict at Oscars 2026

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The famous actors and directors who met in Los Angeles for the Oscars on Sunday, March 15, did not just talk about movies. Many of them used the red carpet to speak about the wars and problems happening around the world.

From veteran stars to new nominees, they shared their worries about how quickly the world is changing. They called for an end to war and talked about the people who are suffering because of these conflicts.

Hollywood voices raise concerns over global wars

The red carpet saw a major focus on the Middle East. Javier Bardem, known for his roles in ‘Skyfall’ and ‘No Country for Old Men,’ wore a special pin on his suit that he first used over 20 years ago.

"We are here to celebrate movies, and it's a great moment, but also there's a great speaker, and there's a great opportunity to say things like no to war, no to this illegal war, by creating so many deaths,” he said.

"This is the same badge that I used in year 2003... with the illegal Iraq war. And here we are in the same position, free Palestine and stop the genocide," he added.

Furthermore, actor Saja Kilani also spoke about the need for a ceasefire and accountability.

"You know, for us the Justice for Hind Rajab Act is the win in my opinion. We're here artists for ceasefire from the president to the West Bank, from Sudan to Venezuela, from Iran to ICE.”

"These crimes against humanity are all connected and there's zero accountability," she added.

"Being here tonight, the visibility is very important. Our struggles are all connected. So is our liberation."

Meanwhile, director Oliver Laxe spoke about Palestinians. He added that it is a time of great global "pain," saying, "Palestinians are suffering, no doubt and I would like to hold their pain."

Joel Edgerton speaks on global conflict

The conversation also turned to safety and political problems. Actor Joel Edgerton talked about a mass shooting that happened in Australia in 2025.

"I went back to Australia, which I always see as a very safe place and it was, affected by... a mass shooting," he remarked. "It's a sign of conflicts all over the world that are very complicated."

He noted that while actors are often told to "shut up," the Oscars provide a "great platform for people to be able to have a voice."

As a father, he felt the impact of global violence personally. "Watching children being harmed all over the world for the wrong reasons by the wrong people... it breaks my heart," Edgerton added.

Actors, directors warn of rising global tensions

Pavel Talankin, co-director of ‘Mr Nobody Against Putin,’ spoke about the parallels between their films and what’s happening in the US: "I'm getting so many letters from Americans... who talk about the incredible parallels with what's happening here in America," he said.

"We all need to understand that Putin and Trump are horrible idiots who are just creating wars around the world."

Actor Amy Madigan also voiced the concerns people were feeling across the globe, noting that everyone seems to sense the danger in the air.

"The world is in a very precarious, difficult place right now," she noted. "So, we all have to keep that in mind and I think people are very aware of it."