Key facts
- Susan Sarandon stated she is still losing movie roles because of her outspoken support for Palestinians.
- She believes this professional consequence persists despite a broader shift in public opinion against US support for Israel.
- Sarandon mentioned that agencies are still advising people not to hire her.
- The actor was dropped by her talent agency UTA in 2023 following remarks made at pro-Palestinian rallies.
- The conflict has also impacted the Venice film festival, with activists calling for the Palestinian flag to be raised.
Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon has stated that she continues to lose professional opportunities in the film industry due to her outspoken support for Palestinians. Speaking at the Venice Film Festival, where she was promoting her latest movie 'The Echo Chamber,' Sarandon indicated that despite what she perceives as a shift in public opinion regarding US support for Israel, certain sectors of the industry continue to ostracize her for her activism.
Sarandon noted that agencies are still advising against hiring her, a consequence she attributes to the existing power structure. She expressed that internationally, she feels welcomed, but within major studios, resistance to outspoken critics of Israel remains strong. She thanked Andrea Pallaoro, the director of 'The Echo Chamber,' for casting her in the film.
In 2023, Sarandon was dropped by her long-standing talent agency, UTA, after making remarks at pro-Palestinian rallies. These comments included acknowledging the fear some Jewish people feel and drawing parallels to the experiences of Muslims in the United States. The conflict has also been a point of discussion at the Venice Film Festival, with activists urging organizers to raise the Palestinian flag. However, the festival's artistic director, Alberto Barbera, stated this is not possible because Italy does not formally recognize the state of Palestine, though he highlighted films at the festival that depict the struggles of ordinary Palestinians.
Sarandon, an Academy Award winner for 'Dead Man Walking,' has a notable filmography including 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' 'Bull Durham,' and 'Thelma and Louise.' Her latest film, 'The Echo Chamber,' adapted from Bernardo Bertolucci's final screenplay, features Sarandon as an aging singer working on a comeback album. The film is among 21 entries competing for the Golden Lion award at the festival.