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‘Looking away was never a choice for me’: How Hollywood’s love affair with Israel turned sour
Actors and filmmakers are increasingly challenging Hollywood’s ties to Israeli film institutions, as more artists speak publicly about Palestinians and Gaza. The article describes a shift in the industry, where collective pledges and public statements are making it easier for people to take a stance despite fears about career consequences.
Film Workers for Palestine’s 2025 pledge has attracted more than 5,500 signatures, including those of Josh O’Connor, Olivia Colman, Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. Signatories promise not to work with or screen films through Israeli institutions implicated in genocide and apartheid; British actor Juliet Stevenson says speaking up felt unavoidable. Paramount criticised the pledge as a boycott of Israeli filmmakers, while denying reports that it has blacklisted talent over Palestine-related views.
In short
- More than 5,500 film industry figures signed a Palestine-related pledge.
- Signatories refuse to work with certain Israeli film institutions.
- Juliet Stevenson says fear should not stop artists speaking out.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that refusing to work with Israeli institutions implicated in serious abuses is a principled form of pressure, and that artists should not lend cultural legitimacy to institutions they believe help sustain injustice. Collective pledges can make it easier for workers to speak openly despite possible career costs, while drawing attention to Palestinian suffering and demands for accountability.
The case against
Critics argue that boycotting Israeli institutions can unfairly exclude filmmakers because of their national or institutional ties, including people who oppose their government’s policies, and can restrict cultural exchange. They may favour direct engagement and scrutiny of specific conduct over a broad pledge, while recognising that artists should be free to express views without being penalised for them.
Explained simply
Hollywood’s links with Israel include work with Israeli film organisations, festivals and public bodies, which can help fund, produce or show films. Some artists distinguish between working with these institutions and working with individual Israeli filmmakers.
The debate has grown as more actors and filmmakers speak publicly about Palestinians and Gaza. Film Workers for Palestine is a collective whose pledge asks signatories to avoid working with or screening films through Israeli institutions it considers implicated in genocide and apartheid.
Artists who speak out may fear that their views could affect future work. The issue matters because it raises questions about the influence of cultural institutions, the role of boycotts and how people in a high-profile industry can express political views.
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