Peter Sarsgaard’s Bold Speech at Karlovy Vary Film Festival 2025
Renowned actor Peter Sarsgaard made headlines at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival 2025 for his candid and emotional remarks about division, politics, and the future of the arts. Accepting the President’s Award on opening night, Sarsgaard took the opportunity to reflect on the state of American society and the importance of personal sacrifice for the greater good.
“One Half of a Room Cannot Stay Warm Forever”
In his speech, Sarsgaard quoted Czech statesman Vaclav Havel: “One half of a room cannot remain forever warm while the other half is cold.” The actor emphasized that this sentiment is not about politics, it’s about humanity. He argued that authoritarianism thrives by inflating one group while marginalizing another, and called for unity and empathy in increasingly divided times.
“They’re making you feel bigger while someone else feels smaller,” he said. “If you’re safe, you’re clinging to the life raft, even if you’re a little sad about who’s drowning.”
Peter Sarsgaard on Political Apathy and Personal Responsibility
Sarsgaard admitted he doesn’t identify with any political party and didn’t vote for Trump or Biden in 2024. Instead, he considers himself a humanitarian. He criticized the complacency of wealthy liberals, stating, “The left in my country is typically wealthy and satisfied… They don’t want to lose their stuff or go to jail.”
He praised Havel’s willingness to suffer personal consequences for the public good, contrasting that courage with what he sees as a lack of conviction in current American activism.
Faith, Compassion, and the Power of “Loving Your Enemy”
Drawing from his Catholic upbringing, Sarsgaard spoke on the importance of loving one’s enemy, a value he believes is especially vital today. He emphasized compassion, empathy, and responsibility as the true antidotes to political division.
Speaking on the Future of Film and the Arts
Sarsgaard also reflected on the declining state of the American film industry. He lamented the lack of opportunities for young actors due to reduced funding and limited support for experimental projects. “In the 90s, it felt like anyone with talent and grit could break in,” he said. “Now, that’s rare.”
He also mentioned his recent work alongside his wife, Maggie Gyllenhaal, praising her directorial vision on The Lost Daughter and her upcoming film The Bride. “I’m probably tougher on her than any other director I’ve worked with,” he joked.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for the Arts and Humanity
Peter Sarsgaard’s speech wasn’t just a tribute, it was a call to action. Whether discussing political division, personal sacrifice, or the struggles of modern filmmaking, his words struck a chord. At a time when the world feels increasingly fractured, his message of empathy, unity, and courage reminds us all what art, and humanity, should stand for.
Source: Variety – Peter Sarsgaard at Karlovy Vary
