Javier Bardem has been blasted by Oscars viewers after launching into a pro-Palestine stunt on-stage.
The Spanish star delivered the evening's most direct political statement at the 98th Academy Awards, declaring "No to war and free Palestine" before announcing the Best International Feature Film winner.
Mr Bardem, who claimed the Best Supporting Actor statuette in 2008 for No Country for Old Men, used his presenting duties to voice his stance in just six words.
He then went on to explain his motivation, saying: "It's a great opportunity to say things like 'no to war, no to this illegal war that [is] creating so many deaths."
The 57-year-old has long championed Palestinian "human rights causes".
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Javier Bardem presented the award alongside Priyanka Chopra
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And they featured as he accessorised his dark grey tuxedo throughout the evening.
The larger of his two decorative pins displayed "No a la guerra", Spanish for "no to war", in bloodied lettering.
He revealed on the red carpet that this was the identical pin he had worn to the 2003 ceremony in protest against the "illegal" Iraq war.
Alongside it sat a circular badge bearing the word "Palestine" and depicting Handala, a young boy character created by cartoonist Naji al-Ali in 1969 who has since become an emblem of Palestinian resistance.
Social media users were quick to react to the actor’s political statement.
One viewer wrote: “Why didn’t he say 'Free Ukraine?' 'Free Iran'?' I mean, why is there always an agenda?"
Another added: “Hey Javier Bardem, you did not say a single word when the Islamic regime in Iran killed 36,000 people, and now you are saying ‘no to war?' Shame on you!”
A third user commented: “Where is the ‘I don’t give a s*** about the Oscars’ button on X?”
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Javier Bardem's badges said 'No to war' and 'Palestine' in Spanish
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"What is this woke virtue signalling nonsense?" penned a fourth viewer.
However, some viewers jumped to the actor’s defence.
One supporter wrote on X: “History often remembers those who speak when silence is convenient. On one of the world’s biggest stages, Javier Bardem used his voice not for applause, but for humanity.”
Another added: “Javier said what half the room was thinking but wouldn’t risk saying.”
Mr Bardem wasn't the only celebrity to use the 98th Academy Awards to make a political statement.
Activist Glennon Doyle and former U.S. soccer star Abby Wambach protested U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) on the red carpet, with Ms Doyle carrying a clutch emblazoned with “f*** ICE” while both wore “ICE OUT” pins.
This message was also echoed by costume designer Malgosia Turzanska.
After winning Best International Feature for Sentimental Value, Director Joachim Trier urged audiences to reject politicians who fail to take responsibility for protecting children, while several attendees wore Artists4Ceasefire pins calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.
Host Conan O’Brien also included political satire in his opening monologue, while Best Actor winner Michael B Jordan honoured previous Black winners in his acceptance speech.