Full Breakdown
Pedro Almodóvar Calls Trump, Netanyahu, Putin “Monsters” at Cannes, Urges Artists to Speak Out
5/21/2026, 2:42:59 AM
The Cannes Press Conference: Core Event
The Cannes Film Festival on May 20 2026 hosted a press conference where Oscar-winning director Pedro Almodóvar introduced his new tragicomedy “Bitter Christmas.” He denounced U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin as “monsters,” urging European artists to act as a shield against them. Almodóvar, wearing a “Free Palestine” pin, concluded his remarks to a round of applause from the international press.
Background
Almodóvar, a two-time Palme d’Or winner and eight-time Cannes competitor, has repeatedly criticized authoritarian leaders. In 2025 he condemned Trump at a New York ceremony, reinforcing his political stance. “Bitter Christmas,” a tragicomedy about a filmmaker grappling with creative block, follows his earlier Cannes triumphs such as “All About My Mother” (1999) and “Volver” (2006).
Key Figures & Groups
Key participants include Pedro Almodóvar; the three leaders he named—Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin; Canal+ chief Maxime Saada, who warned against collaborating with signatories of the “Time To Switch-Off Bolloré” petition; and the petition’s signatories such as Juliette Binoche, Arthur Harari, Bertrand Mandico, Yann Gonzalez, Sepideh Farsi, Adèle Haenel, Zita Hanrot, Samuel Kircher, Ariane Labed, Anna Mouglalis, Jean-Pascal Zadi. The petition was organized to oppose growing media concentration under Vincent Bolloré.
Data & Statistics
“Bitter Christmas” earned a seven-minute standing ovation. Almodóvar is vying for his sixth Palme d’Or and his eighth Cannes-competition film. The “Time To Switch-Off Bolloré” petition lists over a dozen signatories, including Juliette Binoche and Arthur Harari, reflecting broad artistic opposition.
Official Statements & Responses
Almodóvar warned that silence signals democratic decay, urging creators to confront authoritarianism. He described the United States as operating under a “totalitarian regime” and cautioned Europe against being “subjected to Trump.” He also condemned Canal+’s blacklist threat to petition signatories, calling it an attack on artistic freedom.
Criticism & Opposition
The Canal+ warning sparked backlash, with filmmakers viewing the blacklist as an attempt to suppress dissent. The petition, organized against Vincent Bolloré’s media dominance, highlights tensions over artistic independence and the concentration of media ownership.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Silence and fear - because it is clearly an expression of fear - are a very bad sign; they are a sign of the erosion of democracy,” — Pedro Almodóvar, Director
- “We are obliged to become a kind of shield against these monsters like Trump, Netanyahu or the Russian,” — Pedro Almodóvar, Director
- “Europe must never be subjected to Trump,” — Pedro Almodóvar, Director
- “It doesn't worry me because I'm lucky enough to be able to work. I'm lucky to be in a place where I can express myself knowing that I have job offers. I imagine there are people who are more afraid they won't get called because of it, but that's not my case,” — Javier Bardem, Actor
What’s Next
“Bitter Christmas” remains in contention for the Palme d’Or, while debates over artistic freedom and media concentration are expected to intensify at forthcoming European festivals and possible regulatory reviews, including EU discussions on media ownership.
