Richard Gere File Picture with Dalai Lama (Photo by Sonam Zoksang)
Hollywood actor and long time Tibet supporter Richard Gere has spoken about his nearly two decade absence from the Academy Awards. His recent interview with Variety confirms that his outspoken support for Tibet shaped his relationship with the entertainment industry for many years.
In 1993 Gere used the Oscars stage to speak about the serious human rights situation in Tibet. After that moment he did not appear at the Academy Awards again until 2013.
“If we want a world a certain way, then we have to elect leaders who have a similar vision… who will lead us towards a higher level of possibility.”
Gere told Variety that he did not feel that anyone inside the Academy targeted him. He explained that he simply follows his values and stands against abuse and injustice. He added that he tries to act in a way that reflects the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who has influenced him deeply.
“I didn’t take it particularly personally. I didn’t think there were any bad guys in the situation. I do what I do… I mean to harm human rights abuses.”
During the 1990s and 2000s Hollywood grew increasingly dependent on the Chinese market. This economic pressure made many studios hesitant to support anyone who criticized China. Gere is widely believed to have lost roles and opportunities because of his public support for Tibet. His long absence from the Oscars became a symbol of how China uses its influence beyond its borders.
Gere also shared that he once rejected a proposed Hollywood script about the Dalai Lama escaping Tibet. He said the script did not respect Tibetan history and turned the story into an unrealistic action plot. Tibetans and scholars have long noted how Hollywood has often misrepresented Tibetan history, culture, and the struggle against Chinese occupation.
Gere is promoting a new 2025 documentary titled Wisdom of Happiness. The film focuses on the teachings of the Dalai Lama and comes at a time when China is pushing its preferred narrative on Tibet worldwide. This includes promoting the political term Xizang instead of the historical name Tibet.
The documentary presents Tibetan values such as compassion and resilience at a moment when Tibetan identity and culture face intense pressure.
Gere also reflected on the political climate in the United States. He expressed concern about the direction of the country and said that citizens must take responsibility for choosing leaders who value empathy and cooperation. He encouraged Americans to support leaders who help create a kinder and more just society.
Richard Gere remains one of the few major Hollywood figures who continues to speak openly about Tibet despite pressure from China. At a time when China is trying to rewrite Tibetan history and silence Tibetan voices worldwide, his public support is significant.
His renewed presence in public discussions serves as a reminder that the Tibetan struggle for freedom, identity, and cultural survival continues. Allies who speak truth to power make an important difference.