JAVIER Bardem has thrown his weight behind the young people protesting over housing in Spain and across Europe, calling them an example of “vitality and hope”.
The 57-year-old Bond villain was speaking at the Rome Film Festival, where he received an award recognising his legendary career.
He said the young people protesting, in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol were helping Spain see the real extent of the cost of living crisis.
Bardem also called the nationwide demonstrations something that “we older folks have to support with our presence, with our gratitude and with our encouragement, in whatever way possible.”
Bardem also said that “the wave from Spain has spread to many European countries,” pointing to France and Italy and to a major demonstration in Rome that same day.
He also drew on Italy’s history, warning of what happens when power is handed to those who reject fundamental human rights: “Not only Mussolini, but also Franco, Hitler and Netanyahu.”
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His co-star in upcoming film The Beloved, fellow Spaniard Victoria Luengo, was just as outspoken.
“We are very tired, we are very angry,” she said. “The situation is truly unsustainable and people can’t take it anymore. I think it is a logical reaction to the policies being made and to the fear of the rise of fascism throughout the world.”
“I think we should be doing more,” she added, sending “a big hug and lots of support” to everyone protesting.
The film, directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen, was screened in the festival’s Best of 2026 section.
Bardem received the lifetime award from Sorrentino, director of the Oscar-winning The Great Beauty. The two have never worked together.
“One of the films that has most influenced me was The Great Beauty,” Bardem said, adding that awards “must be received, acknowledged, celebrated… and forgotten so that we can continue moving forward and growing.”
Sorrentino said he was honoured “to recognise a wonderful actor who, every time I see him, says: ‘We should make a film together’, which is probably not true, but he says it with such beauty and passion that I believe him.”
Accepting the prize, a wolf statuette, Bardem thanked the festival and apologised for his “terrible Italian”.
Earlier he had delighted hundreds of fans on the red carpet, signing autographs and posing for selfies. After facing the photographers, he walked back and sat down among them.
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