The 77th Emmy Awards: A Platform for Stars to Raise the Keffiyeh and Chant "Free Palestine"

The 77th Emmy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles transformed into a platform for expressing political views on the war in Gaza. The Guardian newspaper reported that a number of Hollywood stars used this prominent media stage to voice their opinions through their attire, red carpet messages, and acceptance speeches.

Solidarity Through Fashion and Words

Prominent Spanish actor Javier Bardem was seen on the red carpet wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh, stating that he "will not work with any party that justifies or supports genocide." Meanwhile, actress Hannah Einbinder, who won the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in “Hacks,” wore a red pin from the "Artists for Ceasefire" campaign. This campaign calls on the U.S. government for an "immediate de-escalation and a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel." Several other stars, including Amy Loui Wal, Natasha Rothwell, Ruth Negga, and Chris Perfetti, also wore the pin.

Key Statements and Artistic Boycotts

In a powerful moment, Einbinder concluded her acceptance speech with the phrase "Free Palestine," before her words were cut short by the broadcast music. In a later backstage interview, she explained that as a Jewish person, she felt a duty to distinguish between Jews and the State of Israel, viewing her religion and culture as entirely separate from the ethno-nationalist state. She added that she has friends in Gaza who are working as frontline medical staff and that boycotting is an effective tool to pressure institutions involved in "genocide." The Guardian also noted that Einbinder and Bardem were among thousands of film industry workers who signed the "Cinema Workers for Palestine" pledge not to collaborate with Israeli cinematic institutions.

Artistic Awards and Key Winners

In addition to the political statements, the ceremony honored prestigious artistic achievements. According to a separate report by Reuters, the medical drama “The Beat” from HBO won Best Drama Series, and its star Noah Wyle took home his first Emmy for Best Drama Actor. In the comedy category, “The Studio” from Apple TV+ was named Best Series, and its star Seth Rogen won his first Emmy for Best Comedy Actor. The talk show “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” also won its first Emmy for Best Talk Show. For limited series, “Adolescence” from Netflix won Best Limited Series, and its 15-year-old star Owen Cooper became the youngest winner in that category's history for Best Supporting Actor.