Javier Bardem and Joachim Trier Use Oscars Stage for Political Statements
While many presenters and winners at the 2026 Academy Awards steered clear of overt political commentary, several individuals used their platform to address pressing global issues, including war and gun violence.
Bardem Calls for Peace
Before announcing that Sentimental Value had won the Oscar for Best International Feature Film, Javier Bardem made a direct statement about the ongoing conflicts around the world. Wearing a “No to war” badge and a pin supporting Palestine, Bardem stated, “No to war and free Palestine.” USA Today reported that Bardem also wore a 2003 Iraq War protest pin.
Filmmaker Joachim Trier Echoes Sentiment
Joachim Trier, director of Sentimental Value, continued the theme of political awareness during his acceptance speech. He paraphrased a quote from James Baldwin, emphasizing the responsibility of adults to protect children. Variety noted Trier expanded on his remarks backstage, expressing his distress over the suffering of children in conflicts in Palestine, Ukraine, and Sudan, and calling for accountability.
Trier added that collaborative efforts are needed to protect children in conflict zones and society as a whole.
Documentary Winners Address Gun Violence and Russian Complicity
The political statements extended to the documentary categories. Joshua Seftel, director of All the Empty Rooms, which won Best Documentary Short, remembered the children killed in school shootings featured in the film – Hallie, Gracie, Dominic, and Jackie – and highlighted the alarming statistic that gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children and teens in the U.S. Jackie Cazales’ mother, Gloria, spoke after, emphasizing that her daughter was more than just a headline.
The winner of Best Documentary Feature, Mr. Nobody Against Putin, also carried a strong political message. The film centers on a Russian teacher documenting the transformation of his school into a war recruitment center during the Ukraine invasion. Co-director David Borenstein stated the film illustrates how countries are lost through “countless small, little acts of complicity.”
Pavel Talankin, the film’s main subject and co-director, called for an end to all wars, stating, “In the name of our future, in the name of all of our children, stop all of these wars now.”
Kimmel’s Political Jabs
Host Jimmy Kimmel also incorporated political commentary into his monologue, making pointed jokes about Donald Trump and CBS. He acknowledged the courage of filmmakers who tell stories at great personal risk in countries without free speech.
O’Brien Sets the Stage for Political Discourse
Earlier in the evening, host Conan O’Brien preemptively warned the audience that the ceremony might include political statements, even jokingly suggesting an alternative Oscars hosted by Kid Rock at a Dave & Buster’s.
O’Brien concluded his monologue on a more serious note, emphasizing the importance of global artistry, collaboration, and optimism in “chaotic, frightening times.”