Actress Susan Sarandon says she continues to be excluded from casting because of her public support for the Palestinian cause

American actress Susan Sarandon said at the Venice Film Festival that she is still losing roles because of her outspoken support for the Palestinian cause. The 79-year-old Oscar winner claims that certain agencies and studios continue to tell producers not to hire her, even though international public opinion has reportedly become more critical of the United States’ support for Israel.

Sarandon is promoting her latest film, The Echo Chamber, directed by Andrea Pallaoro, in Venice. She said she has recently been denied roles, particularly in major studio productions, but that she feels supported internationally and by audiences.

The actress became embroiled in controversy in 2023 after making statements at pro-Palestinian rallies, a month after Hamas’s attack on Israel. Her talent agency, UTA, subsequently ended its relationship with her.

At Venice, pro-Palestinian activism sparked fresh controversy after several activists called for the Palestinian flag to be flown. Artistic director Alberto Barbera said this was not possible because Italy does not officially recognize the State of Palestine, but stressed that the festival includes films about the suffering of Palestinians.

In The Echo Chamber, Sarandon plays an aging singer trying to return to the music world. /summary_long>