Hannah Einbinder's Powerful Acceptance Speech

At the recent 2025 Emmy Awards, Hannah Einbinder, star of the acclaimed series *Hacks*, made waves by concluding her acceptance speech with a passionate declaration: "I just wanna say, finally, go birds, fuck ICE, and free Palestine." Her message sparked extensive discussion, particularly her political statement that was bleeped during the live broadcast.

A Personal Connection to a Global Crisis

Speaking backstage after her emotional win, Einbinder elaborated on her call for action regarding Palestine amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. She shared that she has friends in Gaza who are frontline workers, including doctors providing care for vulnerable populations like pregnant women and school children.

"This issue is very close to my heart for many reasons," she expressed, underscoring her responsibility as a Jewish person to separate her identity from the actions of the Israeli state. "Our culture deserves to be recognized as distinct from the aggressive policies of an ethnonationalist state."

The Boycott and Its Implications

Einbinder is a signatory of the Film Workers for Palestine pledge, which aims to boycott Israeli film institutions seen as complicit in oppressive actions against Palestinians. She emphasized, "Boycotting can effectively pressure those in power. This movement targets institutions involved in genocide, not individuals, making it a crucial stand for me."

Opposing Voices and Ongoing Debate

Einbinder's comments have attracted criticism. Israeli activist Hen Mazzig wrote a column condemning her remarks, arguing that true bravery would have called for peaceful resolutions rather than divisiveness. Mazzig lamented that such a high-profile opportunity to promote coexistence was squandered, stating, "Hannah had a rare moment to unite people; instead, she chose to divide."

A Broader Dialogue at the Emmys

Einbinder was not alone in her sentiments. At the same event, *Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story* star Javier Bardem expressed similar outrage, declaring the situation in Gaza as genocide and denouncing companies that remain silent on such pressing issues. He stated, "Silencing artists based on nationality doesn't foster understanding." Additionally, her *Hacks* co-star, Megan Stalter, made a statement of her own by donning a bag marked with the words: "Cease Fire!"

As the conversation around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict intensifies, Einbinder's bold comments resonate with many, igniting discussions about the responsibilities of artists and the power of their platforms.