Hollywood star Jennifer Lawrence has broken her silence on Israel’s war in Gaza, describing it as “nothing short of genocide” and expressing concern over the state of free speech in the United States.
The Academy Award-winning actress made the remarks during a press conference at the San Sebastián Film Festival, where she was promoting her latest film, “Die My Love”. Despite efforts by festival moderators to avoid political discussions, Lawrence spoke candidly about the ongoing conflict toward the end of the conference.
“I’m horrified and deeply shaken. What’s occurring amounts to nothing less than a genocide, and it’s utterly unacceptable,” Lawrence said. “I fear for my children, and for all children everywhere.”
She also addressed the current political condition in the US, lamenting that the prevailing “disrespect and discourse” will likely shape the environment for children growing up today. “The young voters turning 18 now will see politics without integrity as normal—where politicians lie and empathy is absent,” she said. “It’s important to remember that ignoring crises happening elsewhere in the world eventually brings them closer to home.”
Lawrence stressed that artists should not be expected to solve political crises. “I wish I could say or do something to resolve this deeply troubling and complex situation. It truly breaks my heart,” she said. “But the truth is, speaking too much risks my words being used to inflame rhetoric, when these matters are ultimately the responsibility of our elected leaders.”
She urged the public to focus on accountability and civic engagement. “I want people to focus on who holds responsibility, what actions they can take, and when to show up and vote, rather than putting pressure on actors and artists who are simply exercising freedom of art and speech,” she added.
Earlier in the conference, Lawrence also highlighted that America’s “freedom of speech and expression is under threat,” noting that film festivals serve as an important sanctuary for creative expression. “We have the opportunity to share our stories, connect, and learn from one another, and, most importantly, recognise that we are all interconnected and deserve empathy and freedom,” she said.
“Die My Love” follows Grace (Lawrence), a new mother whose declining mental health strains her relationship with Jackson (Robert Pattinson), leading to unsettling consequences. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, earning a six-minute standing ovation and widespread acclaim for Lawrence’s fearless performance. At the festival, Mubi acquired the film in a major $24 million deal.