Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 29, 2025 · Entertainment

Gal Gadot Avoids Venice Film Festival Amid Political Tensions

Gal Gadot's Red Carpet Rejection: The Israel-Gaza Controversy Rocks Venice Film Festival

The glitz and glamour of the Venice Film Festival have been overshadowed by a heated controversy surrounding Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who has become the unlikely lightning rod for protests amid planned demonstrations against Israel. As the star-studded event gets underway, tensions are running high over Gadot's perceived support for her home country during its military campaign in Gaza.

Gadot, 40, was set to premiere her new film "In The Hand of Dante" alongside co-star Gerard Butler at the festival. However, pressure group Artists 4 Palestine has demanded that festival organizers, the Biennale, withdraw invitations from both Gadot and Butler, citing their alleged support for genocide.

Pressure group Artists 4 Palestine has demanded that Festival organizers the Biennale withdraw invitations from both Gadot and Butler 'along with any artist and celebrity who publicly and actively supports genocide.' (Pictured: Demonstrators holding signs and Palestinian flags protest outside of the festival this week)

The controversy has sparked a heated debate within the film industry, with some artists and celebrities speaking out in support of the Biennale's decision to include Gadot and Butler. "We cannot let politics dictate artistic freedom," said Isabella De Monte, Forza Italia MP and deputy head of the party's Foreign Affairs Department. "Dialogue and a plurality of ideas are the main tools that culture deploys to overcome sectarianism."

However, others have criticized the Biennale for failing to take a stronger stance against Israel's actions in Gaza. The festival has come under fire for its handling of the situation, with some accusing organizers of being too lenient on Gadot and Butler.

"The position of the Biennale is clear: we are an Italian cultural institution that values openness and debate," said Alberto Barbero, Venice Film Festival boss. "We will not censor artists who wish to attend our festival."

Gabot, who received the International Leadership Award from the Anti-Defamation League in March, was confirmed to not be in attendance at the Venice Film Festival

But despite this stance, it appears that Gadot has decided not to attend the festival after all. According to sources close to the actress, she was under pressure from festival organizers to skip the event due to the expected protests.

The controversy surrounding Gadot and Butler is just one of several high-profile storylines at the Venice Film Festival this year. Brad Pitt's new film "The Voice of Hind Rajab" has also generated a lot of buzz, with the actor taking on an executive producer role alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara.

The film tells the story of a young Palestinian girl who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza last year along with six of her family members. The incident sparked global protests, including at Columbia University, where students renamed an academic building as Hind's Hall.

Earlier this month, Gadot (left) opened up about the commercial failure of Disney's Snow White, in which she played the Evil Queen alongside Rachel Zegler (right) as the titular character

Gadot has spoken publicly about the controversy surrounding her role in Disney's "Snow White," which she claimed was negatively impacted by the backlash against Israel. Speaking on an Israeli talk show earlier this month, Gadot said: "I really enjoyed filming that movie, I really had fun. Even working alongside Rachel Zegler. We laughed and we talked, we had fun."

"I was positive the movie was going to be a huge hit," she continued. "And then October 7th happened, and what happened all over in different industries, not just Hollywood, there was a lot of pressure put on celebrities, actors, creators to post against Israel. And it happened. I can always explain and try to give people in the world context about the situation and the reality in Israel, and I always do that."

Despite her claims, the film ultimately grossed $200 million on a production budget of $270 million plus marketing costs of around $80 million.

As the Venice Film Festival continues, it remains to be seen how this controversy will play out. Will Gadot's absence from the red carpet be a major talking point, or will the focus shift to the films themselves? One thing is certain: the debate over Israel and Gaza will continue to simmer beneath the surface of this year's festival.

Sources:

  • TheScholarlyNote.com
  • Venice Film Festival organizers
  • Artists 4 Palestine

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  • "Venice Film Festival Boss Speaks Out on Gal Gadot Controversy"
  • "Brad Pitt's New Film Sparks Controversy Over Israeli-Palestinian Conflict"