VENICE — Sarandon detailed the professional consequences of her political activism during a press conference. "I've still had movies taken away recently because there are agencies that are telling people not to hire me still," Sarandon said. She indicated that these restrictions extend beyond her personal situation to affect other industry professionals. "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.

The actor attributed some of this resistance to specific ideological positions held by industry executives. "There has been a change in term of the general public, but there are still positions in my industry that are held by Zionists who have not relaxed their feelings towards me," she said. She contrasted this industry stance with her reception among international audiences.

"But that's the power structure. I think (among) people, certainly internationally, I feel welcome," she said.

Sarandon credited director Andrea Pallaoro for maintaining his commitment to cast her despite external pressure. She stated that Pallaoro was told not to work with her but proceeded with the casting anyway. "I thank Andrea for that, because he doesn’t listen to the warnings," she said.

Pallaoro directs The Echo Chamber, which was adapted from the final screenplay by Bernardo Bertolucci. The production was filmed in Italy and Belgium.

In the film, Sarandon stars alongside Alicia Vikander and Luca Marinelli. Her character is an aging singer who hires a music producer recovering from drug addiction to work on a comeback album. The producer falls into a toxic romance with a physician supplying him with opioids.

The Echo Chamber is one of 21 films competing for the Golden Lion award at the festival. The award will be presented on September 12, 2026.

Sarandon discussed broader geopolitical narratives during her remarks at the festival. "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. She pointed to financial connections as a key factor in this shift.

"That has been a major revelation for people, how much money the United States gives to Israel; nobody really understood that," she said. She also stated that the United States has voted to combine its army with the army of Israel.

The actor reflected on her personal resilience during these professional challenges. "I found my family, I found my people, and I'm OK," she said. Sarandon is 79 years old.

She won an Academy Award for the film Dead Man Walking. Her previous film credits include The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Bull Durham, and Thelma & Louise.

Timeline

In 2023, Susan Sarandon was dropped by UTA after making remarks at pro-Palestinian rallies shortly after the Hamas massacre. Also in 2023, Susan Sarandon was dropped by her talent agency UTA. On September 6, 2026, activists called on Venice Film Festival organizers to raise the Palestinian flag during the 2026 festival. On the same date, Venice Film Festival Artistic Director Alberto Barbera stated that raising the Palestinian flag is impossible because Italy does not formally recognize the state of Palestine.

On September 6, 2026, Susan Sarandon promoted the film The Echo Chamber at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. During the event, she stated she is still losing movie roles due to her outspoken support for Palestinians. She also stated that director Andrea Pallaoro was told not to work with her but proceeded with the casting anyway. Additionally, she stated, "There has been a change in term of the general public, but there are still positions in my industry that are held by Zionists who have not relaxed their feelings towards me."

What's New

Later reporting provided additional details regarding the production and statements surrounding The Echo Chamber. She added, "I thank Andrea for that, because he doesn’t listen to the warnings." Further context emerged regarding the film's plot, noting that Sarandon's character works on a new album with a music producer who falls into a toxic romance with a physician supplying him with opioids. Production records indicate the film was filmed in Italy and Belgium.

Additional statements from Sarandon clarified her views on international relations. Historical context regarding her agency representation was also expanded. In 2023, Susan Sarandon was dropped by her talent agency, UTA, after she spoke at a pro-Palestine rally, The agency confirmed this action in a statement to Deadline. The Guardian also reported that she was dropped after making remarks at pro-Palestinian rallies shortly after the Hamas massacre in 2023.

How Sources Differ

Sources differ on the specific status of The Echo Chamber within the festival program. The 83rd Venice International Film Festival competition lineup states that The Echo Chamber is one of 21 films competing for the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival.

Why It Matters

The events at the 2026 Venice Film Festival highlight the ongoing intersection of political activism and professional opportunities in the film industry. Sarandon’s statements confirm that industry backlash persists years after her initial departure from UTA in 2023. Her experience illustrates how political stances can influence casting decisions at major studios, affecting not only individual actors but potentially broader hiring practices.

The festival itself became a site for diplomatic and political expression, as seen in the debate over the Palestinian flag. While activists sought to use the platform to raise awareness for Palestinian statehood, festival leadership cited legal constraints related to Italy’s non-recognition of the state. This dynamic reflects the complex environment in which international cultural events operate when geopolitical conflicts are involved.