At the 2026 Berlin Film Festival, Oscar-nominated actor Ethan Hawke offered a candid perspective on the role of celebrities in political discourse, asserting that while actors may not be the ultimate source of guidance, cinema itself holds immense transformative potential. Speaking at the press conference for his historical drama The Weight, Hawke reflected on the responsibility of artists to address societal issues, the rise of fascism, and the moral influence of storytelling.
“When asked whether actors should comment on political matters, I said, ‘The last place you probably want to look for advice is a bunch of jet-lagged, drunk artists talking about their films,’” Hawke remarked, drawing laughter from attendees. He stressed that, although celebrities are not political experts, films have the power to shape collective consciousness, “kind of like the dreams that heal us and get us ready for the next day.”
The Weight, which premiered at Sundance last month, resonated with Hawke due to its theme of unlikely unity. The film follows a group of convicts who, despite having little in common, band together to confront institutional greed and malevolence. Hawke described the story as a powerful metaphor for fighting oppression, affirming, “Anything that fights fascism, I’m all for it.”
Hawke also addressed the political tensions surrounding the festival, including criticism of the jury and celebrities for avoiding topics like Gaza and the global rise of far-right politics. While acknowledging that actors often face backlash for voicing opinions, he noted, “Actors shouldn’t talk about politics. Everybody should – we’re all citizens of the world… all of us have a voice.”
He concluded that artists primarily contribute through storytelling rather than direct political solutions. “We’re just sharing art… but we still have a moral responsibility to care about future generations and work toward a better world,” Hawke said.
The cast of The Weight includes Russell Crowe as a quietly menacing antagonist and Julia Jones as Anna, the sole woman in the group. Hawke’s performance as a reluctant yet resourceful hero underscores the film’s themes of resilience, morality, and the collective fight against injustice.
