Actress Jennifer Lawrence said Friday that what is happening in Gaza is “no less than genocide,” comments she made during a press conference at the San Sebastián Film Festival where she was promoting her new film Die, My Love.
The Oscar winner, who also received the festival’s honorary Donostia Award, was asked several times about the war during the press event. Although moderators attempted to block the questions, Lawrence addressed them directly.
“I’m terrified. It’s mortifying,” she said. “What’s happening there is no less than genocide, and it is unacceptable. I’m terrified for my children, for all our children.”
Lawrence, who won the Academy Award for her role in Silver Linings Playbook, added that she fears for how today’s political climate will shape future generations in the United States.
“It’s so sad that the disrespect and the discourse that we have today will become normal for kids growing up in America,” she said. “The kids who vote now at age 18 — for them it will be completely normal that politics is devoid of integrity. Politicians lie, there is no compassion. Everyone needs to remember that when you ignore what’s happening on one side of the world, it won’t be long before it comes to your side too.”
Despite her willingness to address the subject, Lawrence stressed that she does not see artists as responsible for solving international crises.
“I wish there were something I could say, something I could do to fix this complicated and shameful situation. It breaks my heart,” she said. “But in practice, we worry that if we speak too much or answer too many questions like this, my words will only be used to inflame the matter, which is in the hands of our elected officials.”
She added: “I just want people to stay focused on those who are truly responsible and on the things they can do, and on when they need to show up and vote. I don’t want actors and artists who are trying to express themselves creatively and use freedom of speech to pay the price for the actions of those who are actually responsible.”
Earlier in the press conference, Lawrence also remarked that “freedom of expression and freedom of creation in America are under attack,” which she said makes film festivals “an even more sacred space.”
Lawrence was in San Sebastián to present Die, My Love, a film she both stars in and produced, alongside receiving one of the festival’s top honors.