Spain's Goya Awards shine spotlight on Gaza with pro-Palestine messages

2026-03-01 - 13:12

Spain's most prestigious cinema event, the Goya Awards, became a powerful platform for Palestinian solidarity Saturday night as prominent artists and public figures used the Barcelona ceremony to demand an end to the genocide in Gaza. The red carpet was adorned with badges reading "Free Palestine" and "Stop the genocide," as Spanish cinema's biggest night transformed into a statement of moral conscience. Among those displaying messages of support were internationally recognized figures including American actress Susan Sarandon, Spanish director Alauda Ruiz de Azua, actresses Patricia Lopez Arnaiz and Alba Flores, singer Blanca Paloma, and ceremony host Luis Tosar. The visual demonstration reflected the Spanish film industry's determination to keep global attention focused on the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the Gaza Strip. Sarandon Praises Spain's Moral Clarity Accepting the International Goya Award, Susan Sarandon took the opportunity to commend the Spanish government and its artistic community for their principled position on Palestine. The acclaimed actress noted that at a time when violence and oppression proliferate globally, witnessing Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and numerous artists speak with clear moral conviction provides motivation to persevere. Sarandon specifically praised Spain's supportive stance toward Palestine and its critical position regarding the United States and Israel, highlighting the contrast with other Western nations that have remained silent on the ongoing atrocities in Gaza. Artists Refuse Neutrality Ceremony host Luis Tosar addressed broader global tensions during the event, remarking that "the world is very turbulent, and there are those determined to make it even more turbulent" in comments interpreted as criticism of US President Donald Trump's policies. Several artists, including Carlos Cuevas, echoed similar sentiments both on the red carpet and during the ceremony, emphasizing that culture cannot remain neutral in the face of injustice and that attention must remain fixed on Gaza. Throughout the evening, artists repeatedly chanted and displayed calls to "Stop the genocide," transforming Spain's celebration of cinematic achievement into a platform for human rights advocacy. Sanchez Condemns Violations Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, in attendance at the gala, used the occasion to address the recent US and Israeli attacks against Iran, describing them as "a violation of international law." Sanchez stated, "We, of course, reject and condemn the regime in Iran, but we must also condemn this violation of international law." He emphasized that such actions benefit neither the region, its citizens, nor the world, calling for de-escalation and respect for international legal frameworks. The Spanish leader's remarks aligned with the evening's broader theme of moral accountability, positioning Spain as a voice for international law and human rights amid escalating Middle East tensions. The Goya Awards thus served not only as a celebration of Spanish cinema but as a powerful reminder of art's role in bearing witness to global suffering.