At the Cannes Film Festival, Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar received strong applause after criticising former US President Donald Trump and warning that “Europe must never be subjected to Trump.”
He made the remarks during a press conference for his new film Bitter Christmas, where he also addressed rising concerns about censorship in the United States and France.
Almodóvar, known for acclaimed films such as Pain and Glory, Volver, and All About My Mother, responded to questions about a controversy involving French broadcaster Canal+, whose leadership allegedly threatened to blacklist artists who signed an open letter opposing its main shareholder Vincent Bolloré.
He argued that artists should not remain silent in the face of political or corporate pressure, saying speaking out is a “moral duty.”
He also wore a “Free Palestine” pin at the Cannes red carpet, reinforcing his public stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Almodóvar said silence and fear signal democratic decline and insisted that creators have an obligation to speak out against injustice and censorship. He warned that repression of artistic voices is a sign that democracy is “crumbling.”
In earlier comments to the Los Angeles Times, Almodóvar criticised the lack of political protest at the Oscars, particularly regarding wars and Trump-era policies.
He argued that what he sees as political silence in US cultural spaces reflects broader fear among artists.
He further claimed that the United States is no longer a functioning democracy, suggesting that democratic systems can produce authoritarian outcomes through elections, which he described as a “paradox.”
When asked whether he feared backlash for his outspoken criticism, Almodóvar said he did not, noting that in Spain people are generally unafraid to call out political realities, including the war in Gaza, which he referred to in line with the Spanish government’s position.
The filmmaker also highlighted Cannes as a consistent platform for his work, noting his past successes at the festival, including winning Best Director for All About My Mother and Best Screenplay for Volver.
His latest film reportedly received a 6.5-minute standing ovation.
Almodóvar has frequently collaborated with actor Javier Bardem and actress Penélope Cruz, both of whom are known for politically engaged public statements and have worked with him across several acclaimed films. (PTI)
