Javier Bardem Denounces 'Toxic Masculinity' of Trump, Putin, Netanyahu at Cannes 2026

At the 79th Cannes Film Festival, Spanish actor Javier Bardem delivered a politically charged speech during the press conference for Rodrigo Sorogoyen's 'L'Être Aimé,' a Palme d'Or contender. Bardem condemned what he called the 'toxic masculinity' of Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Benjamin Netanyahu, blaming them for ongoing wars. He also stated that 'a genocide has been committed and continues today in Gaza,' calling it his responsibility to denounce it. The festival's first week also featured John Travolta receiving an honorary Palme d'Or from director Thierry Frémaux, accompanied by his daughter Ella Bleu. Political cinema was highlighted by László Nemes' 'Moulin,' a historical film about Jean Moulin starring Gilles Lellouche and Lars Eidinger as Klaus Barbie, marking Nemes' return to competition eleven years after 'Son of Saul.' French cinema saw Léa Seydoux and Catherine Deneuve promoting Marie Kreutzer's 'Gentle Monster,' a film about pedocriminality. Éric Cantona electrified the Croisette for the documentary 'Cantona,' revisiting his football career. The festival also featured the queer animated film 'Jim Queen' in a midnight screening.