Gwyneth Paltrow joins Saudi Arabian movie mogul Mohammed Al Turki at The Red Sea Film Festival in the Middle East amid ‘arts-washing’ row
Gwyneth Paltrow attended the closing ceremony of the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia on Thursday after being dragged into the middle of an “art washing” scandal.
The 51-year-old Oscar-winning actress dazzled in a voluminous yellow dress as she posed alongside Red Sea Film Foundation CEO Mohammed Al-Turki.
But critics condemned health guru and Goop founder Paltrow for ignoring the country’s “egregious human rights situation” while attending the prestigious event.
Human rights activists said the Red Sea Film Festival is another example of the regime’s “arts-washing” and “sports-washing” campaign, with glamorous international events held in the country to divert attention from its immoral behavior.
In the oil-rich kingdom, homosexuality remains a crime punishable by death, and women still do not have equal rights and are considered the property of their fathers or husbands.
Gwyneth Paltrow, 51, posed with Red Sea International Film Festival CEO Mohammed Al-Turki at the festival’s closing party on Thursday, despite being at the center of an art-laundering scandal in Saudi Arabia.
Critics of the regime are regularly jailed, and in 2018, dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed by Saudi government agents at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey.
Paltrow’s presence was especially surprising since, with the exception of her role as Pepper Potts in the Marvel films, she hasn’t starred in a film since Mortdecai in 2015.
But there are rumors that celebrities including Johnny Depp and Will Smith have been offered around $1 million to walk the red carpet in Jeddah.
News site Puck stated that: “$1 million was a standing offer that was offered to talent agencies for major stars to walk the carpet… Will Smith may even have received more.”
Fans took to X, former Twitter, to criticize Paltrow’s involvement, writing: “Can see Will cause he’s toast in Hollywood but does she need Paltrow a million dollars or Sharon Stone how about supporting the LGBTQ community.”
A second wrote: “I like each of these actors for different reasons, including the projects they’ve been involved in. But personally, he will have nothing to do with the Saudis in any form because of their brutality and brutality towards the women and men who oppose them.”
A third commented: “More like a true reflection on these people who will do anything for money.” Don’t have any principles.”
Another added: “I think by brand…”
Although the star essentially retired from the film business more than a decade ago, she agreed to fly to the Middle East along with fellow stars Will Smith, Sharon Stone and Johnny Depp for the controversial film festival.
Her colorful dress had a center slit giving a glimpse of her long legs and matching yellow strappy high heels.
However, her appearance did not go unnoticed, with fans tweeting their opinions on the star’s attendance.
Paltrow’s rep did not respond to a request for comment on her specific appearance fee.
Paltrow was joined on the red carpet at the festival’s closing ceremony on Thursday by a number of other celebrities.
James Bond star Halle Berry, 57, stunned in a dressy gold and black turtleneck dress with a keyhole neckline.
Meanwhile, Spider-Man actor Andrew Garfield, 40, looked suave in a white open-collared shirt and black suit as he wryly flashed a peace sign with his fingers for photographers.
A Human Rights Watch spokesperson said earlier this year: “The Saudi Arabian government is using this high-profile festival as a means to draw attention to its appalling human rights record.
“The human rights situation in the country is only getting worse.
“It is deeply concerning that this festival features influential artists, entertainers and celebrities who have embraced freedom of expression in their art and yet are participating in a festival organized by a government that does not tolerate freedom.”
The chairman of the jury this year will be Elvis and the Moulin Rouge! Director Baz Luhrmann also spoke warmly of Saudi Arabia.
Luhrmann said he came to Saudi Arabia before accepting the role. “I came quietly to conduct my own investigation… There was no cinema for 30 years, and then suddenly they started watching films.
“I met the studios, but what really struck me were the young up-and-coming directors and how hungry they were to tell their story. That’s why I’m here. At a time when politics fails us, storytellers need to be heard, and that is what we stand for here.”
Speaking at the festival last week, Will Smith, who is rebuilding his reputation after the 2022 Oscars, said he wanted to work in Kingdom, saying he had ambitions to make: “A movie with Denzel, yes!” A movie with Denzel Washington in Saudi Arabia!”
He added: “You know, I think what I’m really concerned about now is knowledge transfer. I really want to teach. I really want to teach filmmaking. I want to work with people on big films.
“And what excites me about Saudi Arabia is that it is a completely new film community. So these are completely new filmmakers. And there’s a style of global storytelling: I’ve traveled the world and understand the tiny changes that make things global—being able to take local stories and make them global.
For the closing night, she joined Halle Berry and Andrew Garfield on the carpet.
Andrew Garfield looked typically jubilant in a white open-collared shirt and black suit as he tossed a peace sign to photographers.
Halle Berry also attended the event in a dazzling dress.
Joel Kinnaman looked dapper in a brown blazer with embroidered patterns as he attended the event.
Georgina Chapman was joined by her boyfriend Adrien Brody, who looked stunning in a black jacket and trousers.
Adrian and Georgina also posed for a photo with Saudi Arabian film producer Mohammed.
Jason Statham showed off his debonair demeanor in a classic black suit, collared shirt and black bow tie.
“So I’m thrilled to travel the world, collaborate, and have the opportunity to teach and build a global community of storytellers. I deeply believe in the power of sharing our stories with each other to help heal wounds; help to learn about each other.
“I feel like the next phase of my life will involve global collaboration to create an exchange of our stories that will create bridges. I just don’t think politics will necessarily lead to change, so I put that burden on myself and the artists around the world. Absolutely. I like it here. Someone tell me where my home should be!
This film festival was organized by the foundation and chaired by the Minister of Culture of Saudi Arabia.
Cinema was banned in the kingdom six years ago. The country is now investing millions in the film industry as part of its strategy to move the economy away from oil dependence.