VENICE: Oscar-winning American actor Susan Sarandon says she continues to lose film roles because of her outspoken support for Palestinians, claiming some talent agencies still discourage filmmakers from hiring her.
Speaking at the Venice Film Festival on Sunday while promoting her latest film, “The Echo Chamber,” Sarandon said movies had recently been taken away from her because agencies continued warning people against working with her.
However, the 79-year-old actor said she still felt welcomed by audiences, particularly outside the United States.
Sarandon Says Hollywood Resistance Remains
Sarandon argued that attitudes towards Palestine and US-Israel relations had changed significantly since the Gaza war began in 2023.
Moreover, she said more people had become aware of the scale of American financial support for Israel and its influence on US politics.
Nevertheless, Sarandon claimed reluctance to employ actors who publicly criticise Israel remained particularly strong among major Hollywood studios.
She thanked director Andrea Pallaoro for casting her in “The Echo Chamber,” saying he had ignored warnings from within the entertainment industry.
Sarandon was dropped by United Talent Agency in 2023 following comments she made at a pro-Palestinian rally in New York.
‘The Echo Chamber’ Competes for Golden Lion
Pallaoro’s Italian-Belgian production stars Sarandon alongside Luca Marinelli and Alicia Vikander. The film is competing for the Golden Lion, the Venice Film Festival’s highest honour.
Meanwhile, Sarandon remains one of Hollywood’s most recognisable veteran actors.
She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the 1995 film “Dead Man Walking.”
Her other prominent films include “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “Bull Durham” and “Thelma & Louise.”
Despite claiming that her political activism continues to restrict professional opportunities, Sarandon said she feels broadly welcomed by people internationally.
