Cannes Jury Screenwriter Paul Laverty Accuses Hollywood of Blacklisting Pro-Gaza Actors

At the closing of the Cannes 2026 jury press conference, screenwriter Paul Laverty used his platform to denounce what he described as a Hollywood blacklist targeting actors who have publicly opposed the war in Gaza. Laverty named Susan Sarandon, Javier Bardem and Mark Ruffalo as examples of talent “blacklisted because of their views in opposing the murder of women and children in Gaza.” He highlighted Sarandon’s recent revelation that she lost her Hollywood agency after calling for a cease-fire, noting that she now works primarily on independent projects in Europe. Laverty framed the Cannes festival as an “oasis for peace” amid “vulgar, vicious, systematic violence” in Gaza.

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• Paul Laverty – Irish-Scottish screenwriter, longtime collaborator of Ken Loach, and 2026 Cannes jury member.

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• Susan Sarandon – Oscar-winning actress featured on the official Cannes poster; has spoken out for a Gaza cease-fire and reported being dropped by her agency.

Variety Magazine

• Javier Bardem – Actor cited by Laverty as facing industry retaliation for pro-Gaza statements.

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• Mark Ruffalo – Actor similarly referenced by Laverty.

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• Cannes Jury – Includes Demi Moore, Stellan Skarsgård, Ruth Negga, Chloe Zhao, Laura Wandel, Diego Cespedes, Isaach de Bankolé, among others.

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• February 2026 – Sarandon addresses the 40th Goya Awards, detailing her dismissal by a Hollywood agency after marching for Gaza.

Variety Magazine

• May 2026 – Laverty delivers his “Shame on Hollywood” remarks at the Cannes jury press conference.

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Laverty’s statements revive a broader debate over artistic freedom and political speech within the entertainment industry. By publicly naming specific actors, he underscores concerns that dissent on the Gaza conflict may jeopardize careers, potentially chilling future advocacy. The Cannes festival, positioned as a global showcase of diverse storytelling, now also serves as a stage for confronting industry censorship. Laverty’s appeal for solidarity may influence upcoming negotiations between talent unions, agencies, and studios regarding the treatment of politically active artists.

Deadline Hollywood

Laverty condemned the alleged blacklist, expressing “total solidarity” with the targeted actors and characterizing Hollywood’s actions as a betrayal of artistic integrity. He invoked Shakespeare’s line “‘Tis the time’s plague when madmen lead the blind” to illustrate the moral confusion he perceives. Sarandon, speaking at the Goya ceremony, confirmed she was dismissed by her agency for marching and calling for a Gaza cease-fire, noting that the fallout made television appearances and major Hollywood roles unattainable, forcing her to seek work with European directors and independent productions. No formal response from Hollywood agencies or the Cannes organization was reported in the sources.

Variety Magazine

• “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,” — Paul Laverty, Cannes jury member

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• “I was fired by my agency, specifically for marching and speaking out about Gaza, for asking for a ceasefire.” — Susan Sarandon, actress

Variety Magazine

• “Yes, and isn’t it fascinating to see some of them like Susan Sarandon, Javier Bardem, Mark Ruffalo blacklisted because of their views in opposing the murder of women and children in Gaza?” — Paul Laverty

Variety Magazine

• “I just hope we don’t get bombed now, because we’ve got this poster in Cannes.” — Paul Laverty

Variety Magazine

• “’Tis the time’s plague when madmen lead the blind.” — Paul Laverty, quoting Shakespeare

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