Susan Sarandon: ‘I’m Still Losing Roles Because of My Support for Palestine’

Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon says she is still losing work because of her outspoken support for Palestinians, despite a gradual shift in public opinion in the United States and declining American support for Israel, The Guardian reports.

Speaking at the Venice Film Festival, where she is promoting her new film The Echo Chamber, the 79-year-old actress said some people in the film industry continue to avoid working with her because of her political views.

“I feel that the whole perception has completely changed — in terms of the historical significance of Palestine and the connections between the Zionist movement, America and our politics,” Sarandon said. “For many people, it has been a real revelation to learn how much money the United States gives to Israel. People simply did not understand the scale of that support before.”

Public opinion polls in the US have indeed shown declining support for Israel and growing sympathy for Palestinians since the war in Gaza began in 2023.

However, according to Sarandon, her position continues to have serious professional consequences.

“Recently, I’ve had roles taken away from me again because some agencies are still telling people that I shouldn’t be hired,” the actress told reporters. “But that’s how the power structure works. At the same time, among ordinary people — especially internationally — I feel very welcome.”

Sarandon won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Dead Man Walking. She rose to fame through roles in films including The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Bull Durham and Thelma & Louise.

Sarandon also recalled the professional fallout from her public comments. In 2023, UTA, the agency that had represented her for many years, dropped her as a client.

The decision came after Sarandon appeared at pro-Palestinian rallies. At one such event, she said: “Right now, a lot of people are afraid of being Jewish and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country.”

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has also become an issue at this year’s Venice Film Festival. Activists have called on festival organizers to raise a Palestinian flag in recognition of Palestinian filmmakers whose films are being screened at the festival.

However, Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera said this was not possible because Italy does not officially recognize the State of Palestine. He noted, however, that several films being shown on the Lido focus on the struggle and everyday lives of ordinary Palestinians.

Sarandon believes the pressure remains particularly strong at major Hollywood studios.

“If you’re talking about a major studio, I don’t think it’s just me. There are other people who have been told directly that it’s not possible,” the actress said.

In The Echo Chamber, based on the final screenplay by legendary Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci, Sarandon plays an aging singer who hires a music producer recovering from drug addiction to help her record an album and revive her career.

The film is competing in the main competition at the Venice Film Festival alongside 20 other titles for the festival’s top prize, the Golden Lion.

The winner will be announced on September 12.