Story perspectives

Bardem's Cannes Debut “The Beloved” Blames Trump, Putin, Netanyahu

5/17/2026

Summary

Bardem Condemns Toxicity

The Cannes Film Festival 2026 premieres director Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s drama “The Beloved,” starring actor Javier Bardem as Esteban Martínez who seeks to reunite with his daughter after 13 years, a role played by actress Victoria Luengo.
Actor Javier Bardem condemned toxic masculinity and Spain’s two women killed by ex-partners, and he blamed U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a ‘big balls’ mentality.

Summary

Beloved Wins Ovation

The Beloved received a seven-minute standing ovation at Cannes’ Grand Théâtre Lumière after its premiere.
Caballo Films, El Ser Querido AIE and France’s Le Pacte co-produced The Beloved, financed by Spain’s ICAA and the European Union (EU) Creative Europe Media Programme.
Contracorriente Films will release the movie theatrically while Movistar Plus+ streams it exclusively.
The film was shot on Fuerteventura and the Canary Islands, using color, black-and-white and grainy formats.

Summary

Sorogoyen Critiques

Producers say the film is courting U.S. distributors after its Cannes debut.
Director Rodrigo Sorogoyen embeds a critique of macho, authoritarian hierarchies in the industry through Esteban’s behavior.
The screenplay dramatizes Emilia’s alcoholism by having her down a bottle of red wine in a motel, which triggers psychological fallout for her children.
Critics argue the desert setting serves mainly as a logistical excuse rather than a narrative driver.

History

Historical Context

In 1999 Cannes awarded the Palme d’Or to the Dardenne brothers for Rosetta, underscoring the festival’s shift toward European auteur cinema. The prize, reintroduced in 1975 and regularly redesigned, remains a benchmark; the award is widely regarded as one of cinema’s most prestigious honors. By 2026 the competition features a record seven female directors (2023), reflecting growing gender diversity.

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Bardem Condemns Toxicity

The Cannes Film Festival 2026 premieres director Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s drama “The Beloved,” starring actor Javier Bardem as Esteban Martínez who seeks to reunite with his daughter after 13 years, a role played by actress Victoria Luengo.
Actor Javier Bardem condemned toxic masculinity and Spain’s two women killed by ex-partners, and he blamed U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a ‘big balls’ mentality.

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