Javier Bardem is trending after winning a major film award—he’s a Spanish actor with an Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe under his belt.
Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on Palestinian rights, faces calls to resign from France, Germany, and other European countries after remarks criticizing Israel. Supporters, including artists, defend her, while critics accuse her of antisemitism and extremist rhetoric amid ongoing Gaza conflict.
The Berlinale is embroiled in controversy over its stance on Gaza, with jury president Wim Wenders and other artists making political statements. Several prominent filmmakers, including Arundhati Roy, withdrew in protest, criticizing the festival's silence and alleged censorship regarding Israel's actions in Gaza. The festival defends its focus on artistic freedom.
On March 15, 2026, the 98th Academy Awards honored films from 2025. Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for "Sinners," which led with a record 16 nominations. Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" won Best Picture and six Oscars. Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for "Hamnet," and Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first female cinematography Oscar winner. The ceremony featured political moments, including Javier Bardem's pro-Palestinian statement, and introduced a new casting award.
At the 2026 Oscars, actors like Javier Bardem and Charithra Chandran used their platform to call for peace in Gaza and highlight Iranian repression. Bardem condemned war and injustice, while the ceremony featured Artists4Ceasefire pins advocating a ceasefire in Gaza. The event reflected a resurgence of political activism among celebrities amid ongoing Middle East tensions.
Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket saw betting spikes on Oscar winners before the ceremony, suggesting some gamblers may have had early insights. Shifts in odds occurred for categories including Best Actor and Supporting Actress, with notable changes just hours before the awards.