The 98th Academy Awards, held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, delivered one of its most talked-about moments when Spanish actor Javier Bardem made a bold political statement on the world’s biggest cinema stage.
Bardem took the stage alongside Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra to present the award for Best International Feature Film. Before announcing the winner, he paused and delivered a brief yet powerful message: “No to war and Free Palestine.” The crowd responded with loud applause and cheers.
Bardem wore two pins on his suit jacket, one reading “No a la guerra” (No to War) and another featuring the Artists4Ceasefire emblem, designed by artist Shepard Fairey, as a gesture of solidarity with civilians affected by the war in Gaza.
While the crowd cheered, Priyanka Chopra’s expression standing beside him became a topic of heated debate online. Several users focused on Chopra’s reaction during Bardem’s statement, with some interpreting her expression as one of surprise or discomfort, while others dismissed the speculation entirely.
Pakistani actress Rabya Kulsoom jumped into the conversation with a humorous take, posting on Instagram: “Priyanka par hamla achanak hua tha!”. The Oscar for Best International Feature Film ultimately went to the Norwegian film Sentimental Value.
Rabya’s witty comment resonated widely with Pakistani audiences, who found her take both relatable and funny, making it one of the most shared celebrity reactions to the Oscars moment across Pakistani social media.
