Hannah Einbinder calls out ICE and voices support for Palestine in Emmy speech

Hannah Einbinder, star of the HBO Max comedy Hacks, drew attention at the Emmy Awards with her politically charged acceptance speech. The actress, who won the award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series, used the platform to address U.S. immigration policies and the ongoing war in Gaza.

After thanking the creators and cast of Hacks, Einbinder concluded with the words: “Finally, go Birds, F--- ICE, and free Palestine. Thank you.” Her remarks, referencing both the Philadelphia Eagles and contentious global issues, marked the night’s first political statement.

It was Einbinder’s first Emmy win for her portrayal of Ava Daniels, a young comedy writer navigating her career alongside veteran performer Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart.

Speaking to Variety after the ceremony, Einbinder explained that she felt compelled to use the moment to highlight the war in Gaza. She said the subject was “an issue very dear to my heart” and directly connected her remarks to personal ties.

“I have friends in Gaza who are working as front-line workers, as doctors right now in the north of Gaza to provide care for pregnant women and for school children,” she said. “They are creating schools in refugee camps, and it’s an issue that’s really close to my heart for many reasons.”

Einbinder also addressed her identity as a Jewish person in her comments. “I feel like it is my obligation as a Jewish person to distinguish Jews from the state of Israel because our religion and our culture are such an important and long-standing institution that is really separate to this sort of ethnonationalist state,” she told Variety.

The actress’s remarks immediately spread across social media, with many users sharing clips of the speech. The reactions reflected a divided public discourse, with some praising her for speaking out and others criticising her use of the Emmy stage for political commentary.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) has long faced criticism for its detention and deportation policies, while the war in Gaza continues to draw widespread attention amid high civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns. Einbinder’s decision to link her Emmy acceptance to these issues has ensured her words resonate beyond the entertainment industry.

The Emmys, held annually, often provide a platform for political or social statements. Einbinder’s speech follows a tradition of actors using the stage to advocate for causes, though the choice of subjects remains highly scrutinised in the current polarised climate.