Hannah Einbinder, the acclaimed star of ‘Hacks,’ achieved a significant milestone at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, clinching her first Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. However, it was her acceptance speech that truly captured attention, as she seized the moment to make a powerful political statement, concluding with a fervent call for ‘Free Palestine’ and condemning ICE.
Einbinder’s bold declaration unfolded against a backdrop of escalating tensions in Hollywood. Just weeks prior, she was among nearly 4,000 industry figures who signed a pledge refusing to collaborate with Israeli film companies or institutions perceived as complicit in ‘genocide and apartheid.’ This pledge had already sparked widespread debate, and Paramount, the parent company of CBS (which broadcast the Emmys), publicly disavowed the boycott, asserting its opposition to ‘silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality.’
Reflecting on her journey, Einbinder light-heartedly spoke of her previous nominations without a win. ‘I was quite committed to the idea that losing repeatedly was actually cooler,’ she quipped, ‘but winning feels pretty fantastic too! This is still very punk rock.’ She extended heartfelt gratitude to the creators of ‘Hacks,’ Jen Statsky, Paul W. Downs, and Lucia Aniello, for profoundly impacting her life. Einbinder also offered a touching tribute to her co-star, Jean Smart, describing her as ‘like a sun, and I just get to stand in her warmth.’
During a backstage interview, Einbinder elaborated on the motivations behind her on-stage message. She emphasized the importance of discussing Palestine, calling it an issue ‘very dear to my heart.’ Citing accounts from friends who are doctors in Gaza, she stressed that boycotting serves as an effective mechanism to ‘create pressure on the powers that be.’ She clarified that the boycott is not aimed at individuals but rather at institutions deemed complicit in ‘genocide.’
Einbinder’s statement followed a similar impactful moment earlier in the ceremony when Javier Bardem appeared on the red carpet wearing a keffiyeh and voiced his support for Film Workers for Palestine. Hannah Einbinder’s role as Ava Daniels in ‘Hacks’ has been widely praised, with the series having premiered its fourth season earlier this year.