The 77th Emmy Awards were not just a celebration of television’s finest, it became a powerful platform for emotional expression, as several stars used the global spotlight to call for a ceasefire and express solidarity with Palestine.
Actress Hannah Einbinder, best known for her role in Hacks as Ava Daniels, closed her acceptance speech with a bold statement: “Go Birds, F*** ICE and Free Palestine,” while wearing an Artists4Ceasefire pin on her attire. The moment quickly went viral across social media platforms, sparking much praise for the star.
“Go Birds, F*** ICE and Free Palestine”
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) September 15, 2025
– Hannah Einbinder during her #EMMYs speech
pic.twitter.com/k8H6LdKnL6
Speaking to Variety after the ceremony, Einbinder elaborated on her position, explaining her motivation to speak out as a Jewish individual. “As a Jew, I felt it was my responsibility to speak on this issue,” she said.
She further revealed that several of her friends are currently working as frontline aid workers in Gaza. “Some of my friends are working as frontline workers in Gaza — like doctors helping pregnant women and children, and setting up schools in refugee camps,” she explained.
Hannah Einbinder on saying “Free Palestine” in her Emmys acceptance speech.
— Variety (@Variety) September 15, 2025
“It is my obligation as a Jewish person to distinguish Jews from the state of Israel. Our religion and our culture is such an important and long-standing institution that is really separate to this sort… pic.twitter.com/FNVTji7VC3
Einbinder said the issue was one that resonates deeply with her personal beliefs. “This issue is very close to my heart, and as a Jew, it is my duty to clarify that our religion and culture are important and long-standing, and completely separate from this ethno-state.”
She also addressed the ongoing Film Workers for Palestine boycott movement, making it clear that the campaign is not aimed at individuals. “This boycott is not against individuals but against the institutions that are directly involved in the atrocities against the Palestinian people,” she said.
Elsewhere on the red carpet, Megan Stalter made her own powerful statement without saying a word. The Hacks star, who plays the role of Kayla Schaeffer, carried a striking black handbag boldly emblazoned with the word “CEASEFIRE”, complemented by a solidarity pin fastened to her trousers.
Joining the others, acclaimed Spanish actor Javier Bardem walked the red carpet donning a keffiyeh, a symbol of Palestinian resistance and solidarity. On stage, he delivered a clear and forceful message: “Here I am today denouncing the genocide in Gaza… Free Palestine.”