Javier Bardem Talks About 'Sanctuary' & How Hollywood Can Spread the Climate Change Message

Actor Javier Bardem may have won an Oscar for his role in the film, No Country For Old Men over 12 years ago but it is difficult to forget how he actually made his debut as an actor way back in 1974 as a child actor in the Spanish TV series, El Picaro. It was his recurring role in Segunda Enseñanza at the age of 17 that got him recognition and before one knew, Hollywood success also followed.

Now starring in the buzzy documentary, Greenpeace, Bardem talked about forgoing his acting chops to produce and narrate this nonfiction work about preserving marine life in the increasingly warming Antarctic in an interview with Variety.

On his character and the film itself, he said, Greenpeace invited me to do this campaign. We’re trying to create the largest sea sanctuary in the world in the Antarctic Ocean. I didn’t blink; I said yes. They explained to me what exactly they’re looking to achieve and why. At that table, there were scientists and biologists and people working on this for ages. It was mind-blowing to be surrounded by all these people who know what’s at stake."

On how Hollywood can raise awareness about climate change and environment, Bardem said, "A lot of people I know who work in this business, they care. They make a number of big donations privately. They also know they contribute to an industry that flies a lot of private planes and has a big carbon footprint. That’s the rhythm we live in. I think overall we need some regulation and information about how to achieve a near future where we can have a different way of living."