Paul Laverty denounces Hollywood blacklisting of Bardem over Gaza comments at Cannes

At the 79th Cannes Film Festival, screenwriter Paul Laverty, a jury member and frequent Ken Loach collaborator, criticized Hollywood for blacklisting actors like Javier Bardem who speak out about Gaza. Laverty, who was previously arrested for his activism, stated it is shameful that Bardem is blacklisted for discussing the genocide. The festival's director Thierry Frémaux noted Spain's strong cinema tradition. The jury, led by Korean filmmaker Park Chan Wook, will award the Palme d'Or among 22 competing films. The issue of cinema's political role, sparked at the Berlin Film Festival, resurfaced in Cannes.