The Oscars 2024 was a night of celebration for cinema, but a sombre undercurrent ran throughout the ceremony. The ongoing conflict in Gaza cast a long shadow, prompting a silent protest from several celebrities.
Ramy Youssef: The nominee for Best Actor, known for his series “Ramy,” walked the red carpet in a custom Zegna thobe. This sartorial choice resonated with his support for the cause, as the thobe held cultural significance and subtly mirrored his commitment to peace. In an interview with Variety, he emphasized the crucial need for a “permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”
A member of the Try Guys and contributor to the nominated film “Nimona,” Eugene Lee Yang made a bold statement. His custom red Walter Mendez gown, a stunning visual in itself, was further empowered by the prominent Artists4Ceasefire pin. This combination served as a powerful message for the global audience.
Quannah Chasinghorse, a renowned indigenous actress and model also chose the Oscars to champion the cause. Her elegant black-feathered attire, adorned with a striking red gown and the Artists4Ceasefire pin, mirrored the collective sentiment of the evening. Her presence amplified the voices calling for peace. Riz Ahmed, another prominent actor, also sported the pin in solidarity.
Celebrated filmmaker, Ava Duvernay, nominated for Best Director, made a powerful statement with her baby blue custom Louis Vuitton gown.
Representing the team behind the Best Picture nominee “Anatomy of a Fall,”Swann Arlaud & Milo Machado-Graner went a step further. They incorporated the Palestinian flag onto their tuxedos alongside the Artists4Ceasefire pin. This subtle yet impactful gesture spoke volumes about their unwavering support for those affected by the conflict.
Mark Ruffalo, a consistent advocate, continued his commitment to wearing the Artists4Ceasefire pin at every award show of the season. The Best Supporting Actor nominee used the Oscars platform once again to highlight the urgent need for peace in the region.
The design spoke volumes: a red circle, signifying urgency, cradled a black heart, a universal symbol of compassion. Nestled within the heart was a reaching hand, representing a desire for peace and connection.
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Artists4Ceasefire, comprised of over 380 celebrities including Cate Blanchett, Ben Affleck, and Jennifer Lopez, penned a letter to President Biden in late October. Their demands were clear: an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the safe release of hostages, and the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to civilians caught in the crossfire.
The red carpet wasn’t the sole stage for the call for peace. Outside the Dolby Theatre, demonstrations were held by groups like the Los Angeles branch of Jewish Voice for Peace and SAG-AFTRA Members for a Ceasefire. Their chants and placards demanding a ceasefire echoed amidst the celebratory atmosphere, ensuring that the plight of those in Gaza wouldn’t be forgotten.
The human cost of the conflict was starkly highlighted. News reports indicated over 31,000 Palestinian casualties in the five months of fighting, raising fears of genocide and famine. Protesters aimed to bring this grim reality to the forefront, even amid the Oscars’ glitz and glamour.
The conflict’s impact went beyond protests. Jonathan Glazer, director of the Oscar-winning film “The Zone of Interest,” used his acceptance speech for Best International Feature to deliver a powerful message. He stressed the importance of learning from history and recognizing the dangers of dehumanization. His film, a chilling Holocaust drama, served as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked violence. Glazer further condemned the hijacking of Jewish suffering to justify the current conflict, emphasizing the need for peace for all.
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