Hollywood blacklisting: Susan Sarandon shares her support for Palestine has cost her film roles

Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon revealed on Sunday that despite a growing perception against US backing of Israel, she is still encountering difficulties in securing acting roles due to her outspoken support for Palestine. At the Venice Film Festival, where she is promoting her latest film The Echo Chamber, Sarandon stated that certain parts of the film industry have continued to exclude her because of her activism.

She highlighted that the public's understanding of the financial ties between the United States and Israel has recently increased, as evidenced by recent opinion polls showing a softening of support for Israel and a rise in sympathy for Palestinians since the onset of the Israel-Hamas War in 2023. However, the 79-year-old actor admitted that her activism has still led to professional repercussions, including the cancellation of recent film offers.

Sarandon expressed her belief that while she feels welcome internationally, there is still significant resistance to hiring outspoken critics of Israel, particularly among major studios. She attributed this resistance to a powerful structure that continues to hold sway over the industry. Despite being dropped by her long-standing talent agency UTA in 2023 following remarks she made during pro-Palestinian rallies, Sarandon maintained that she found a supportive community and felt OK.

In her latest film, The Echo Chamber, Sarandon plays an aging singer who hires a recovering drug addict music producer to help her record a comeback album. The film, adapted from the final screenplay by Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci, is one of 21 movies vying for Venice's prestigious Golden Lion award, which will be awarded on September 12.