Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon says Hollywood studios and talent agencies continue to deny her work because of her support for Palestinians.
The 79-year-old made the remarks at the Venice Film Festival while promoting The Echo Chamber, her latest film. She became one of the first major Hollywood figures to speak against Israel’s war in Gaza.
Hollywood Consequences Continue
“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.
“That has been a major revelation for people, how much money the United States gives to Israel, nobody really understood that.”
Recent polling supports her view that American attitudes have shifted. A February Gallup survey found 41 percent of Americans sympathised more with Palestinians, compared with 36 percent for Israelis.
Pew Research Center reported in April that 60 percent of US adults viewed Israel unfavourably. That figure had increased from 53 percent in 2025.
Sarandon said changing public sentiment had not ended the professional consequences.
“I’ve still had movies taken away recently because there are agencies that are telling people not to hire me still,” she told reporters. “But that’s the power structure. I think [among] people, certainly internationally, I feel welcome.”
UTA dropped Sarandon as a client in November 2023 after comments she made at pro-Palestinian rallies. She later apologised for the wording of one remark while continuing to support Palestinian rights.
Palestine Debate Reaches Venice
The Gaza conflict has also shaped debate around the Venice festival. Activists urged organisers to raise the Palestinian flag for Palestinian filmmakers screening work at the event.
Artistic director Alberto Barbera rejected the request because Italy does not formally recognise Palestine as a state. He instead highlighted films showing the experiences and struggles of ordinary Palestinians.
Sarandon said major studios remained especially resistant to hiring outspoken critics of Israel.
“If it is a major studio, I think it’s not just with me but with other people who have been told that that is impossible,” she said.
She thanked The Echo Chamber director Andrea Pallaoro for casting her despite the industry pressure.
“I found my family, I found my people and I’m OK,” Sarandon said, drawing prolonged applause at the press conference.
New Film Competes for Golden Lion
Sarandon won the Academy Award for Dead Man Walking. Her extensive career also includes The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Bull Durham and Thelma & Louise.
In The Echo Chamber, she plays an ageing singer who hires a music producer recovering from drug addiction. The pair work together on her planned comeback album.
The film adapts the final screenplay by late Italian filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci. Its cast also includes Alicia Vikander and Luca Marinelli.
The Echo Chamber is one of 21 films competing for the Venice festival’s Golden Lion. Organisers will present the award on September 12.
