Javier Bardem, a Spanish actor who has never been afraid to speak his mind, whether on Israeli actions in Gaza over the past year or in support of Palestine on global forums, continues to voice what he believes. In a recent interview with Variety on Tuesday, responding to a question about his motivation to speak up, Bardem said the real question should be: “How come I wouldn’t?”
The actor shared that he has always felt a responsibility when speaking into microphones and recorders to do the right thing by addressing what he believes is wrong. Bardem, who drew attention when he ended his last speech at the Academy Awards by saying, “No to war, and free Palestine,” admitted he had expected boos from the audience, not applause and cheers in response to his statement.
He added that there has been pressure to remain silent on the war in Gaza, citing a fellow actor who was dropped by their agent over their opposition to Israel. “That tells you how wrong this whole system is,” he said.
Bardem further acknowledged that he, too, may have faced consequences for his stance, including fewer project offers and the loss of campaigns he had been in talks for. “It’s fine. I live in Spain. American studios are not the only place,” he remarked.
The actor also spoke about masculinity, reflecting on his upbringing in 20th-century Spain and how toxic it can become if not understood correctly. Speaking to Variety, he said, “We were educated in a culture that was giving us all we wanted, and we took for granted that we are way more powerful and more in control, we are the driving force, as men. That is absolutely wrong in every sense.”
Opening up further, Bardem said he feels deeply about the subject. As a father to a teenage boy and a pre-teen girl, he shared that one of his fears is that ideas of masculinity may be regressing. He credited his mother, Pilar Bardem, for raising him with the understanding that sacrifice and strength are not limited to masculinity.
Concluding the interview, Bardem spoke about his wife, Penélope Cruz, calling himself her biggest fan. “When I see her being photographed in magazines, I go, ‘Is that my wife? Jesus, is it? It must be!’” he said. He added that respect and support are essential in a relationship, noting that he enjoys sharing the screen with Cruz as it allows them to connect emotionally and spend meaningful time together.