Susan Sarandon Says Hollywood Roles Dried Up After She “Spoke Out About Gaza”, Praises Spanish Government For “Moral Clarity”
Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon is in Spain this weekend to collect a career achievement prize at the 40th Goya awards.
Speaking at a press conference in Barcelona today, the decorated star discussed her support for Palestine — a cause close to the heart of the Spanish government — and recent career challenges, which she said had come about because of that support.
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The Thelma And Louise star was dropped by UTA in 2023 after attending several rallies in support of Palestine and at one point telling a crowd: “There are a lot of people afraid of being Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country.” She later apologized for those comments.
Sarandon told media today that her actions and words had led to her being shunned by Hollywood: “I was fired by my agency, specifically for marching and speaking out about Gaza, for asking for a cease fire, and it became impossible for me to even be on television. I don’t know lately if it’s changed, but, I couldn’t do any major film, anything connected with Hollywood.”
The actress said she found new agents in the UK (United Agents) and Italy (Do MGMT) and has largely worked outside the U.S. since then.
“I just did a film in Italy, and I did a play at the Old Vic [in London] for a number of months. An Italian director just hired me, but he was told not to hire me. So, right now I kind of specialise in tiny, independent films with directors who have never directed before, and films that are in Europe or in Italy. So, that’s the main reason I haven’t been been working as much.”
The actress is in post on Italian production The Echo Chamber with Alicia Vikander and U.S. indie movie The Accompanist, which marks the directorial debut of actor Zach Woods.
Sarandon became emotional, and wiped away tears, as she discussed the “strength and moral clarity” of Spain’s government, which has been among the most supportive of Palestine during the Gaza war.
“To see Spain and the President’s support for Gaza, and to have actors like Javier Bardem come forward with such a strong voice, is so important to us in the United States. I can’t tell you, when you turn on the TV and you see how strong Spain is, and how clear that you are morally about these issues, it makes you feel less alone, and it makes you feel that there is hope, because you just don’t hear that on TV in the U.S.”
She continued: “When a nation stands up, and I include Ireland in this too, I can’t tell you how very important it is to those of us who are trying — in an atmosphere that is very difficult — when we see that kind of strength and moral clarity, how much it means to us.”
She added: “I personally feel very strongly that the annihilation of the Palestinian people is a horrible crime, and I’m very ashamed to be paying for that.”
Sarandon also described ICE in the U.S. as “unconstitutional” and “doing all kinds of illegal things, particularly to Black and brown people”.
She added: “I’m very proud of the communities that have managed to find a way to fight against ICE, and I think that’s what it’s going to take, because no one at the top is going to save us from any of these things.”
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