Cannes juror slams Hollywood for 'blacklisting' actors opposing Gaza war

A Cannes Film Festival juror has criticised Hollywood for “blacklisting” actors such as Susan Sarandon for opposing the Gaza war. The 79-year-old actor, whose character in Thelma and Louise features on a 2026 poster for the international film festival, was dropped by her agency in 2023 in what she says was a response to her “marching and speaking out about Gaza”. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday (12 May), writer Paul Laverty mentioned the poster featuring Sarandon, before adding: “Isn't it fascinating to see somebody like Susan Sarandon, Javier Bardem, Mark Ruffalo, blacklisted because of their views in opposing the murder of women and children in Gaza. Watch more on Independent TV: https://tinyurl.com/yc7ukx9n The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Subscribe: https://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-Independent Find us on social: TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@independent Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/the.independent/ X (Twitter) / https://twitter.com/Independent Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/TheIndependentOnline Download the iOS & Android app: https://tinyurl.com/2s3ts5dh Sign up to our newsletters: https://tinyurl.com/2bmw565x Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust: https://www.independent.co.uk/donations