Sarandon: Palestine support costs film roles

Actress Susan Sarandon said she continues to lose film roles due to her public support for Palestine, even as she believes the broader narrative around the conflict has shifted. Speaking at a press conference for her new film The Echo Chamber at the Venice Film Festival on Sunday, the Oscar winner stated that industry agencies are still advising people not to hire her. "I've still had movies taken away recently because there are agencies that are telling people not to hire me still," Sarandon said. "But that's the power structure. I think within the people, certainly internationally, I feel welcome." The 79-year-old actress was dropped by her agency, United Talent Agency, in November 2023 following remarks she made at a pro-Palestinian rally. She later issued a public apology for her choice of words at that event. At the Venice press conference, Sarandon indicated that while public understanding has evolved, resistance within the industry remains. "I think that the narrative has completely changed in terms of the historical relevance of Palestine and the ties of Zionists with America and our politics," she said. "That has been a major revelation for people.