Susan Sarandon, the Academy Award-winning actress, stated at the Venice Film Festival that her political beliefs have recently led to the loss of film roles. She asserted that certain agencies are still advising against her being hired.

Sarandon, 79, spoke at a press conference on Sunday, coinciding with the premiere of her new Italian film, “The Echo Chamber.” She commented on shifts within the film industry and her own position within it.

"In terms of the power structure, I’ve still had movies taken away recently, because there are agencies that are telling people not to hire me still," Sarandon said. "But that’s the power structure."

She noted that while she may be considered an outsider in Hollywood, she feels a sense of welcome internationally. "So it depends," she explained. "If it’s a major studio, I think there is, not just with me, but with other people, that have been told that that is impossible."

Sarandon thanked the director of "The Echo Chamber," Andrea Pallaoro, for proceeding with her casting despite potential warnings. "I think, yes, there has been a change in terms of understanding of the situation, and I think the general public, but there are still very strongly held positions within my industry held by Zionists and [those] who have not relaxed their feelings towards me," she said.

Sarandon's career faced significant backlash in late 2023 after she made remarks at a pro-Palestinian rally in New York City. At the time, she suggested that Jewish people were "getting a taste of what it is like to be Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence." She later issued an apology on social media, calling her phrasing a "terrible mistake" and acknowledging that it diminished the history of Jewish persecution. "It was my intent to show solidarity in the struggle against bigotry of all kinds, and I am sorry I failed to do so," she stated.

Following her remarks, Sarandon was dropped by her talent agency, UTA, and a production company reportedly decided against casting her in a project due to her statements. The production company's co-founder, David Barroso, told Page Six that they were considering her for a short film but ultimately pursued other options. "The Echo Chamber" is scheduled for release in Italy on Thursday.