ISLAMABAD: The 2025 Emmy Awards turned political on Sunday night as a number of high-profile celebrities used the international stage to voice support for Palestinians amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Spanish actor Javier Bardem appeared on the red carpet wearing a keffiyeh, a symbol of Palestinian identity, and pledged his support for Film Workers for Palestine, a growing movement in the entertainment industry. “I cannot work with someone that justifies or supports the genocide,” Bardem said, referencing the International Association of Genocide Scholars, which has characterized Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide.

Bardem called for a commercial and diplomatic blockade and sanctions against Israel and urged the global film industry to boycott institutions involved in what he termed “whitewashing or justifying genocide and apartheid.”

Industry Movement: Film workers for Palestine

Ahead of the Emmys, over 3,900 industry professionals signed a pledge by Film Workers for Palestine, vowing to avoid collaboration with Israeli film institutions tied to apartheid practices.

While Paramount Studios criticized the pledge as counterproductive, Bardem defended it, clarifying it targets institutions, not individuals based on nationality or religion.

Hannah Einbinder

Hannah Einbinder, who won Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for “Hacks,” ended her speech with a defiant “Free Palestine,” going well over the 45-second time limit.

A Jewish actress, Einbinder has been vocal about distinguishing her support for Palestinian rights from her Jewish identity, and had also signed the boycott pledge. She committed to covering the $1,000 per-second penalty deducted from a $100,000 donation tied to speech lengths — ensuring the full amount went to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Other shows of solidarity

Many celebrities wore red ceasefire pins or carried visual messages supporting Gaza.

“Hacks” co-star Megan Stalter carried a bag emblazoned with "CEASE FIRE!"

Emmy wins & highlights

Best Drama: The Pitt (HBO Max) – A healthcare drama, starring Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa

Best Comedy: The Studio – Took home 13 awards including Seth Rogen for Best Actor

Best Limited Series: Adolescence (Netflix)

Acting Awards: Severance stars Britt Lower and Tramell Tillman

Hacks also won multiple comedy awards, including Best Actress (Jean Smart) and Supporting Actress (Hannah Einbinder)

Colbert’s farewell victory

Stephen Colbert, whose show was recently canceled, won for Outstanding Variety Talk Series. In his acceptance speech, he received a standing ovation and reaffirmed his love for the country.

Fundraising twist at the Emmys

In a unique move, host Nate Bargatze offered a $100,000 donation to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, deducting $1,000 per second for any speech exceeding 45 seconds. Despite the overages, Bargatze personally covered the difference, ultimately donating $350,000.

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Emmys 2025: Stars call for ceasefire, voice solidarity with Palestine