Sharon Stone backs out of LA Israeli Film Festival, citing filming commitments

Hollywood actress Sharon Stone canceled a planned appearance at the Los Angeles Israeli Film Festival, days before she was scheduled to present an award, Israeli media reports.

The festival director originally suggested it may have been due to external pressure from anti-Israel activists, but later retracted the claim. Sources in the industry also told The Times of Israel that the claim was untrue.

Stone has a history of supporting Jewish causes.

Stone had been set to attend the opening night of the 37th annual festival to present the Vision Award to Jewish American producer Lawrence Bender.

Five days before the event, she informed organizers that she would no longer be able to attend, the reports say.

Stone cited a filming commitment in Australia as the reason for her cancellation, festival director and CEO Meir “Foggy” Fenigstein tells Channel 12 news.

There is no public comment from Stone on the matter.

Bender instead asked actor and comedian Tiffany Haddish, a personal friend, to step in and present the award on short notice, according to the report.

The festival opened last night in Los Angeles and will run through February 19, showcasing dozens of Israeli films.

Among the opening screenings was “Letter to David,” directed by Tom Shoval, about David Cunio, who was abducted from his home during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack in Israel.

The festival also features works by prominent Israeli filmmakers, including Eran Riklis, who was honored with a cinematic achievement award.