Susan Sarandon says she is still losing roles over outspoken support for Palestinians

Susan Sarandon says her support for Palestinians is still costing her work, even as she sees public opinion in the United States moving away from strong support for Israel. Speaking at the Venice Film Festival, where she was promoting her latest film, "The Echo Chamber," the Oscar-winning actress said parts of the film industry continue to avoid her because of her activism.

"I think the narrative has completely changed in terms of the historical significance of Palestine and the Zionist connections with America and its policies. That was the main revelation for people, how much money the United States gives Israel. Nobody really understood that," Sarandon said.

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I think the narrative has completely changed in terms of the historical significance of Palestine and the Zionist connections with America and its policies. That was the main revelation for people, how much money the United States gives Israel. Nobody really understood that.

She said the professional consequences had not ended. "I still have films that I recently didn't get because agencies say they still won't hire me. But that's the power structure. I think people, especially abroad, support me," she told reporters.

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I still have films that I recently didn't get because agencies say they still won't hire me. But that's the power structure. I think people, especially abroad, support me.

Sarandon’s former agency, UTA, ended its relationship with her in 2023 after remarks at a pro-Palestinian protest held a month after Hamas attacked Israel. At the time, she said, "There are a lot of people who are afraid to be Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be Muslim in this country."

The dispute has also reached this year’s Venice festival. Activists have urged organizers to display a Palestinian flag in recognition of Palestinian directors whose films are being screened. Festival artistic director Alberto Barbera said that was impossible because Italy does not formally recognize a Palestinian state, while pointing to films showing the struggles of ordinary Palestinians. Sarandon said resistance to hiring outspoken critics of Israel was particularly strong among major studios. "The Echo Chamber" is competing with 20 other films for the Golden Lion, which will be awarded on September 12.

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There are a lot of people who are afraid to be Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be Muslim in this country.