Oscar award-winning actor Javier Bardem is facing backlash over comments he made during the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday when he presented the Best International Feature award.

“No to war and Free Palestine,” Bardem said before announcing the winner while wearing a “No a la Guerra” (No to War) pin — a symbol he previously wore to oppose the U.S.’s “illegal war” against Iraq.

Critics quickly slammed the actor for what they described as anti-Israel stances.

“It’s no secret that Javier Bardem has spent years vilifying Israel on the world stage,” one user wrote on X.

Some even questioned why he was on stage.

“Did he have a new film that earned him a spot on the Academy Award stage tonight? No. The Oscars chose him anyway, during an era that can only be described as open hunting season on Jews worldwide,” Samantha Ettus noted.

While Bardem was not directly nominated for an Oscar, his movie — the Formula One racing drama F1, directed by Joseph Kosinski — was up for awards. The film, an Apple Original starring Brad Pitt, received four nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, winning Best Sound. It was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Editing, and Best Visual Effects, marking a major showing for the racing film.

“You know who didn’t deserve a spot at the awards today and didn’t get it? You,” another user wrote.

Some viewers were also frustrated that the ceremony had become political, with many attendees wearing “Artists for Ceasefire” and “ICE Out” pins.

“I can no longer bear to watch the Academy Awards, which used to be an event of interest; now I know it will be an anti-Israel fest,” one frustrated fan on X wrote. “Who would dare to buck the trend of supporting Palestine, Hezbollah, Hamas & the Iranian regime, among the lustrous celebs at the Dolby Theatre?”

This is not Bardem’s first display of political advocacy at awards shows.

Bardem said the pin was the same “No a la Guerra” badge he wore in 2003, linking his past anti-war activism to current events. In September 2025, he also used the Primetime Emmy Awards to spotlight the situation in Gaza, CNN reported. In February 2026, he joined more than 80 others in signing an open letter urging the Berlin International Film Festival to condemn Israel’s actions.

Critics said Bardem was not the only one to blame, but also the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences itself.

“Bardem’s record is ugly, but the most reprehensible actor here is @TheAcademy itself, which decided that this is the moment to hand him a microphone and a global platform,” Ettus said.

“@TheAcademy handed him the platform, knowing full well he would use it to amplify his message of Jew hatred,” another user said.