Javier Bardem made one of the most talked-about moments at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026.
The Oscar winner took the stage at the Dolby Theatre to present Best International Feature Film alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas. But before announcing the nominees, Bardem delivered a short and direct message.
He said: “No to war and free Palestine.”
The audience responded with loud applause and cheers. Several people in the crowd stood and clapped as the camera panned across the theater.
Bardem has spoken out for Palestinian rights for years. On the red carpet and on stage, he wore pins that read “Palestine” and “No a la Guerra,” which means “No to war” in Spanish. He has used the same anti-war phrase in the past during protests against the Iraq War in 2003.
Clips of the moment quickly spread across social media. Many people praised Bardem for using his platform to speak out. Others debated whether the Oscars stage was the right place for political messages.
The ceremony celebrated major wins for films like One Battle After Another, but Bardem’s statement added a serious tone to the night. His words became one of the most shared and discussed moments of the 2026 Oscars.
