Pro-Palestinian protests, solidarity at Oscars

Oscars ceremony transforms into scene of poignant activism, with hundreds of protesters voicing support for Palestinians and critiquing US policies

This year’s Oscars, typically a beacon of entertainment glitz, transformed into a platform for urgent calls for peace and justice for Gaza.

Hollywood’s 96th Academy Awards witnessed an unprecedented convergence of film celebration and political activism as hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters rallied near the event, advocating for a cease-fire in Gaza and denouncing U.S. support for Israel. 

Demonstrators, some nearing the red carpet, disrupted traffic and drew attention to their cause. Inside, several celebrities visibly joined the plea. Jonathan Glazer, the director of “The Zone of Interest” and winner of Best International Feature Film, directly addressed the Gaza conflict in his speech.

“Our film shows where dehumanization leads at its worst,” he said, dedicating his award to a member of the Polish resistance who aided Auschwitz prisoners.

The Oscars’ red carpet saw notable personalities like Billie Eilish, Ramy Youssef, and Mark Ruffalo wearing pins symbolizing support for Palestinians.

Youssef explicitly stated their message to Variety on the red carpet, “We’re calling for an immediate, permanent cease-fire in Gaza. We’re calling for peace and lasting justice for the people of Palestine. Let’s stop killing kids. Let’s not be part of more war.”

Organized by groups including the U.S. Palestinian Community Network and Black Lives Matter LA, the protest aimed to spotlight Hollywood’s alleged endorsement of Israeli actions in Gaza. As the crowd made its way toward the Dolby Theatre, the LAPD issued dispersal orders, citing unlawful assembly.

Best actor winner Cillian Murphy also hinted at global conflicts in his speech, saying, “We made a film about the man who created the atomic bomb, and for better or worse, we’re all living in Oppenheimer’s world. I’d really like to dedicate this to the peacemakers everywhere.”

The protest, set against the backdrop of a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza following Israel’s offensive, served as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle in the region. The convergence of Hollywood glamour and political activism at the Oscars underscored the entertainment industry’s potential role in advocating for global peace and justice.