Cinema VinesOscar‑winning actress Susan Sarandon has said she continues to lose work in Hollywood because of her outspoken support for Palestinians. Speaking at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival in Italy, Sarandon – who is promoting her new film The Echo Chamber – explained that the public narrative in the United States has shifted, with more people questioning the United States’ financial support for Israel and growing sympathy for the Palestinian cause.
Despite this broader change in opinion, Sarandon warned that industry insiders still penalise those who criticize Israel. "I’ve still had movies taken away recently because there are agencies that are telling people not to hire me still," she told reporters. She added that the power structure within Hollywood continues to marginalise her, even though she feels welcomed internationally.
The actress, 79, rose to fame with films such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Bull Durham and Thelma & Louise, and won an Academy Award for Dead Man Walking. However, her vocal advocacy for Palestinians has taken a professional toll. In 2023, she was dropped by her long‑time talent agency UTA after making remarks at pro‑Palestinian rallies that followed the Hamas attack on Israel and the ensuing Gaza war.
The Gaza conflict has also influenced the Venice Film Festival, where activists have urged organisers to display the Palestinian flag in recognition of Palestinian filmmakers. Artistic Director Alberto Barbera said the request was impossible because Italy does not formally recognise the state of Palestine, but he highlighted several films on the Lido that depict ordinary Palestinians’ struggles.
“I think that the narrative has completely changed in terms of the historical relevance of Palestine and the ties of Zionists with America and our politics,” Sarandon said. She noted that people had not fully understood the extent of U.S. financial aid to Israel. The actress concluded that while she may face professional setbacks at home, she feels welcomed abroad.
