At this year’s Berlin Film Festival, Oscar-nominated actor Ethan Hawke weighed in on whether celebrities should speak out on political issues, saying that while actors may not be the best source of guidance, cinema itself holds transformative power. Speaking at the press conference for his historical drama The Weight, Hawke addressed questions about fascism, artistic responsibility and the growing political tensions surrounding the festival.
When asked about the responsibility of stars to comment on issues like fascism, Hawke paused before offering a self-aware response. “Alright the last place you probably want to look for advice in your spiritual counsel is a bunch of jet-lagged, drunk artists talking about their films.” The remark drew laughter and applause from the room.
He clarified that while celebrities may not be political experts, films can still shape public consciousness. “I believe in the power of cinema to affect you know how every night we all dream and those dreams kind of heal us and get us ready for the next day? I feel like, collectively, the whole festival – all of you, all of us here – are responsible for creating an international dream life.”
Hawke said The Weight resonated with him because of its theme of unlikely unity. The film portrays people who “don’t think they have anything in common who band together to fight institutional greed and malevolence. And that’s worth fighting for.” When pressed directly about fascism, he stated firmly: “Anything that fights fascism, I’m all for it.”
Politics have dominated discussions at the 2026 Berlinale, particularly after jury president Wim Wenders and several celebrities avoided questions related to Gaza, ICE raids and the global rise of far-right politics. An open letter signed by more than 80 participants – including Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem and Adam McKay – criticised the festival’s “silence” on Gaza.
Responding to the broader debate, Hawke acknowledged the backlash actors often face for voicing opinions. “Actors shouldn’t talk about politics,” he said, referencing past criticism. However, he added, “Everybody should be – we’re all citizens of the world and all of us matter, all of us have a voice and everybody’s welcome to disagree.”
Reiterating that artists primarily contribute through storytelling, he said, “We’re just sharing art. We’re not some of the greatest minds in the world that try to make the planet live in peace.” Even so, he stressed the moral responsibility to care about future generations and work toward a better world.
The Weight, which had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival last month, follows “a group of desperate convicts on a journey through a physically and morally treacherous backcountry,” according to its synopsis. Hawke leads the cast as a reluctant but resourceful hero, alongside Russell Crowe, who plays his quietly menacing foil, and Julia Jones, who portrays Anna, the sole woman in the group.
