'There are agencies that are telling people not to hire me': Susan Sarandon on losing work for supporting Palestine

Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon said at the Venice Film Festival on Sunday that she is still losing work in Hollywood over her outspoken support for Palestinians, despite what she described as a major shift in public opinion in the US over Israel’s role in Palestine.

Speaking at a press conference for her latest film, The Echo Chamber, Sarandon said public understanding of the relationship between Palestine, Israel and US politics had changed significantly.

“I think that the narrative has completely changed in terms of the historical relevance of Palestine and the ties of Zionists with America and our politics,” she said.

“That has been a major revelation for people, how much money the United States gives to Israel, nobody really understood that.”

Recent US opinion polls have shown support for Israel softening and sympathy for Palestinians rising since the start of the Gaza war in 2023.

However, the 79-year-old actor said her support for the Palestinian cause continued to have professional consequences, with some sections of the film industry still shunning her because of her activism.

“I've still had movies taken away recently because there are agencies that are telling people not to hire me still,” she said.

“But that's the power structure. I think (among) people, certainly internationally, I feel welcome.”

Sarandon, who won an Academy Award for Dead Man Walking, rose to prominence through films including The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Bull Durham and Thelma & Louise in the 1970s and 1980s.

Her outspoken support for Palestinians has affected her career in recent years. In 2023, she was dropped by her longstanding talent agency UTA after remarks she made while attending pro-Palestinian rallies shortly after the Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza.

The conflict has also become a point of discussion at this year’s Venice Film Festival, where activists have called on organisers to raise the Palestinian flag in recognition of Palestinian directors whose films are screening at the event.

Artistic Director Alberto Barbera has said this is not possible because Italy does not formally recognise the state of Palestine. He has, however, pointed to several films being screened at the festival that depict the struggles of ordinary Palestinians.

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