Ethan Hawke, known for acclaimed performances in films like Training Day and Boyhood, spoke candidly about his views on actors engaging in political discourse during this year’s Berlinale. Addressing the tension surrounding political statements in the arts, Hawke expressed support for fighting fascism while criticizing the typical political debates among actors.
Hawke’s Perspective on Political Engagement Among Actors
<pDuring a press conference for his upcoming historical drama, The Weight, Ethan Hawke shared his opinion on the role of actors in political discussions, emphasizing his skepticism about artists offering spiritual or political guidance. However, he made clear his commitment to opposing fascism by stating:
“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 film… [but] anything that fights fascism, I’m all for it.”
He further reflected on the role of cinema and international film festivals in shaping collective dreams and conversations:
“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. What is it? What are our dreams? What are we talking about?”
Clarifying His Position on the Gaza Conflict
During the same press event, Hawke was asked about his position on the Gaza situation in light of an open letter from over 80 current or former festival participants criticizing the Berlinale’s silence on the issue. Responding thoughtfully, Hawke spoke about the backlash he received after previously addressing political topics and stressed the importance of free expression for everyone, including actors.
“The last time I spoke publicly about any of this, I was really shocked about how much animosity it was met with. You know, people saying, ‘Actors shouldn’t talk about politics’ and things like that. And I really feel like the answer is the absolute inverse, that 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. That’s part of the benefit of living in a free society.”
Hawke acknowledged the unique platform actors have while clarifying that their intent is not to dictate opinions. 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. I feel like there’s a slight agenda to your question that’s different from my agenda. But I respect you and I respect the question.”
He also referenced how actors are frequently placed in the spotlight unexpectedly, noting they
“get microphones thrown in front of our faces,”
but emphasized this does not mean they are instructing people what to do.
Personal Milestone Amidst Public Discourse
Aside from his professional and political commentary, Ethan Hawke recently celebrated a significant family event—his daughter Maya Hawke’s wedding on February 14. This personal moment coincided with his participation in the Berlinale festival, adding a private highlight amid the complex conversations surrounding art and politics.
Hawke’s remarks outline the tension actors face when navigating political engagement, especially in polarized times. His stance suggests a desire to uphold open dialogue while resisting the pressure for celebrities to serve as political authorities. As political debates continue to ripple through global cultural forums like Berlinale, Hawke’s perspective contributes to ongoing conversations about the responsibilities and limits of artists in public life.
#EthanHawke on actors speaking out about politics: “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 film… [but] anything that fights fascism, I’m all for it.”
“I believe in the power of… pic.twitter.com/PEmtHvniVH
— Variety (@Variety) February 17, 2026
