Hollywood Stars Condemn Gaza ‘Genocide’ on Eve of Cannes Film Festival

As the 78th Cannes Film Festival commenced, over 350 prominent figures from the film industry, including actors, directors, and producers, signed an open letter denouncing what they termed the “genocide” in Gaza and criticizing the industry’s silence on the issue. The letter specifically highlighted the killing of Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona, who was slated to attend the festival for the premiere of the documentary Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, in which she starred. Hassona was killed in an Israeli airstrike on April 16, 2025, along with ten family members .

Signatories of the letter include renowned filmmakers and actors such as Alfonso Cuarón, Pedro Almodóvar, David Cronenberg, and Mark Ruffalo. The letter called for the film industry to acknowledge and convey the harsh realities faced by Palestinians through cinema and criticized the lack of support for filmmakers affected by the conflict .

At the festival’s opening ceremony, Robert De Niro received the honorary Palme d’Or and used his acceptance speech to criticize authoritarianism and emphasize the role of art in challenging oppressive regimes. He stated, “Artists are a threat to fascists all over the world” .

Juliette Binoche, serving as the jury president, addressed global conflicts and read a poem by Fatma Hassona, paying tribute to her and condemning violence worldwide .

The festival also saw subtle displays of solidarity with Gaza. Actress Cate Blanchett wore a gown with colors reminiscent of the Palestinian flag, and model Bella Hadid donned a dress inspired by the keffiyeh, a symbol of Palestinian heritage .

These actions at Cannes reflect a growing movement within the entertainment industry to speak out against the ongoing conflict in Gaza and to use their platforms to advocate for peace and justice.