At the Venice Film Festival, Susan Sarandon Exposes the Secret Industry Blacklist She Says Is Still Keeping Her off the Screen

It's a tough reality for any actor, but Susan Sarandon is currently speaking out about a side of the film industry that usually stays firmly behind closed doors. According to The Guardian, at the 2026 Venice Film Festival, the 79-year-old Oscar winner didn't hold back, revealing that she's still facing professional consequences for her vocal support of Palestinians. While she's currently on the ground promoting her latest project, The Echo Chamber, she made it clear that her career path has been significantly altered by what she describes as a secret industry blacklist. It's pretty striking to hear an actor of her stature talk about being shunned by major studios. Sarandon, who famously won an Academy Award for her powerhouse performance in Dead Man Walking, has been a fixture in Hollywood for over five decades. From her iconic roles in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Thelma and Louise to her work in Bull Durham, she's built a legacy that most actors only dream of. Yet, she's now finding that major studios are closing their doors to her. When questioned about this at a press conference, she told reporters, 'I've still had movies taken away recently because there are agencies that are telling people not to hire me still.' Sarandon didn't just frame this as a personal struggle The veteran actor believes this is a broader issue affecting many artists who have taken a stand on the genocide. 'If it is a major studio, I think it's not just with me but with other people who have been told that that is impossible,' she said. It's a sobering look at how the power structures in Hollywood respond when talent decides to step into the political arena. Sarandon said these agencies actively discourage producers from working with her, which puts her on an industry-wide blacklist. Susan Sarandon on whether she's still blacklisted in Hollywood for being outspoken about Palestine, if she would work with studios again and feeling more welcome internationally: 'In terms of the power structure, I've still had movies taken away recently because there are… pic.twitter.com/iWlZAzeqM9 — Deadline (@DEADLINE) September 6, 2026 In 2023, she was dropped by her longstanding talent agency United Talent Agency (UTA), after being labeled anti-Semitic following remarks she made at a pro-Palestinian rally. At an event on November 17, 2023, she had stated, 'There are a lot of people afraid of being Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country.' She later issued a statement calling that phrasing a 'terrible mistake,' noting that it implied Jews hadn't faced persecution, which she acknowledged was the opposite of the truth. Despite her apology and her pledge to continue her commitment to peace and justice, the professional fallout was immediate. The industry's reaction has had a lasting impact on her ability to secure roles in major American productions. According to Metro, since being dismissed by UTA, Sarandon has had to pivot, shifting her focus toward independent European cinema and theatre. She's even found new representation in England and Italy, which is how she landed her role in The Echo Chamber. She thanked the film's director, Andrea Pallaoro, for casting her. 'In terms of being able to do this film, I thank Andrea for that because he didn't listen to the warnings,' she noted. Despite the professional chill, Sarandon feels that the public conversation is changing She pointed out that there is a softening in support for Israel and a rise in sympathy for Palestinians since the Israeli genocide in Palestine intensified in 2023. '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 explained. 'That has been a major revelation for people, how much money the United States gives to Israel, nobody really understood that.' The atmosphere at the Venice Film Festival has been charged with this very topic. Activists have been pushing for organizers to display the Palestinian flag in honor of the Palestinian directors whose work is being featured at the event. Susan Sarandon is paying a professional price for her support of Palestine, losing work opportunities in Hollywood while choosing to stand by her convictions. Doors may close on those who speak out, but their voices remain a testament to their courage….#Palestine… — صادق عبدالرزاق العامرى (2) (@Sada966662) September 7, 2026 While the festival's artistic director, Alberto Barbera, has stated that this isn't possible because Italy doesn't formally recognize the state of Palestine, he has highlighted several films screening on the Lido that explore the struggles of ordinary Palestinians. Sarandon did end her response on a hopeful note For Sarandon, the support she feels from the public and the international community seems to be what keeps her going. When she told the press, 'I found my family, I found my people and I'm OK,' it sparked a 20-second burst of spontaneous applause. It's clear that while the major studio doors might be closed, she's finding a way to continue her craft. The Echo Chamber, which is based on the final screenplay by the legendary Italian filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci, is currently one of the 21 films competing for the Golden Lion award. The winner will be announced on September 12, and it's a high-profile stage for a film that represents a new chapter for the actor. A well-deserved standing ovation for Susan Sarandon in Venice. Israeli attacks didn't silence her, she stood firm with Palestine. pic.twitter.com/uWpjZABX3B — ??????? (@Malcolm_Pal9) September 7, 2026 Throughout her career, Sarandon has never been one to shy away from activism. She and her former partner, Tim Robbins, were prominent voices against the 2003 Iraq invasion, and she has spent decades involved in various social causes. Whether it's her charity work or her outspoken nature, she's always been willing to risk her standing for what she believes. While the current climate in Hollywood has made things difficult, she seems determined to keep working on her own terms. It's a testament to her resilience that even when the major studios turn their backs, she's still finding ways to get her work in front of audiences. (Featured image: LucaFazPhoto) Have a tip we should know? [email protected]