Venice remarks on industry exclusion

At a press conference during the Venice Film Festival on 6 September 2026, American actress Susan Sarandon stated that prominent Hollywood agencies continue to obstruct her career over her opposition to the war in Gaza. The 79-year-old Oscar winner, known for films such as Thelma & Louise, appeared at the Italian festival to promote The Echo Chamber. The production, directed by Andrea Pallaoro, is competing in the official festival selection. Sarandon explained that while international audiences remain receptive to her work, large studios in the United States face institutional pressure to exclude her from film projects. She expressed gratitude to Pallaoro for disregarding warnings from industry figures against casting her in his project. Sarandon observed that broader public awareness regarding United States military and financial backing for Israel has evolved, even as decision-makers within the film industry maintain punitive stances against critical voices.

Agency pressure and studio casting

Sarandon addressed the division between general public opinion and executive control inside American cinema when asked whether the industry climate regarding Gaza had begun to shift. She noted that the public narrative surrounding the conflict and United States foreign policy has altered as people learn more about the situation. Despite shifting public perspectives, Sarandon detailed how agency influence restricts casting opportunities behind closed doors across the studio system.

“In terms of the power structure, I've still had movies taken away recently, because there are agencies that are telling people not to hire me still. But that's the power structure. I think within the people, certainly internationally, I feel welcome. So it depends. If it's a major studio, I think there is, not just with me, but with other people, that have been told that that is impossible, in terms of being able to do this film, I thank Andrea for that, because he didn't listen to the warnings.”

Industry divisions and personal support

The actress pointed out that political convictions among studio leaders continue to affect employment decisions across the American entertainment sector. Sarandon observed that pro-Israel figures within the industry retain firm positions against artists who express solidarity with Palestinians. Despite these ongoing professional obstacles, she explained that she has established a supportive community among colleagues and independent filmmakers.

“So I think, yes, there has been a change in terms of understanding of the situation, and I think the general public, but there are still very strongly held positions within my industry that are held by Zionists and who have not relaxed their feelings towards me. But I found my family, I found my people, and I'm OK.”

Sarandon concluded her response to applause from journalists and attendees present at the Venice conference.

Fallout from 2023 rally and Hollywood activism

Sarandon stands alongside actors such as Mark Ruffalo, Richard Gere, and Joaquin Phoenix as prominent American screen figures who publicly oppose the Gaza military campaign. Her professional difficulties intensified following an appearance at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York City at Union Square in November 2023. During that event, she told attendees that American Jews fearful over rising antisemitism were getting a sense of what Muslims in the country experience under frequent hostility. Days later, United Talent Agency severed ties with Sarandon, ending a client relationship that had lasted since 2014. In December 2023, Sarandon issued an apology stating that she had joined the rally to support calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid, acknowledging that her unscripted remarks were an error in word choice. The backdrop to her statements includes the war in Gaza, where the local health ministry reported 73,500 deaths and 174,000 injuries since October 2023.