Hollywood’s Night of Glamour Marred by Calls for Ceasefire and Solidarity with Gaza
Los Angeles, CA — As Hollywood’s brightest stars gathered for the 96th Academy Awards on Sunday, the glitzy event took on a somber tone as celebrities and activists used the platform to stand in solidarity with Gaza and advocate for peace in Palestine.
Artists for Ceasefire
The red carpet was not just a showcase for fashion; it also became a stage for a poignant message. Numerous celebrities donned the “Artists for Ceasefire” pin, a symbol of an open letter addressed to US President Joe Biden urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. While the letter boasts hundreds of artist signatures, only a handful visibly displayed the pin, making a quiet yet powerful statement.
Speeches for Palestine
Throughout the night, speeches calling for peace and justice for Palestine echoed in the Dolby Theatre.
Jonathan Glazer’s Bold Words
British director Jonathan Glazer used his acceptance speech for Best International Feature Film for “The Zone of Interest” to condemn the Israeli occupation of Gaza. The film, which delves into the story of a Nazi camp commandant near Auschwitz, provided a backdrop for Glazer’s powerful statement:
“We stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation which has led to conflict for so many innocent people,” he declared, prompting both applause and contemplation.
Ramy Youssef’s Passionate Plea
Actor Ramy Youssef, known for his role in “The Poor Things,” took to the red carpet to amplify the message of peace. Youssef, a consistent voice for Gaza, emphasized the urgency of the ceasefire:
“It’s a universal message of just let’s stop killing kids. Let’s not be part of more war. No one’s ever looked back at war and thought a bombing campaign was a good idea,” he passionately stated.
Youssef highlighted the growing list of artists supporting the ceasefire, expressing their desire to use their influence to reach people’s hearts.
Protests and Support
As stars arrived at the venue, they were met with the sight of pro-Palestinian protesters surrounding the Dolby Theatre. Signs reading “While you’re watching, bombs are dropping” punctuated the air, drawing attention to the ongoing conflict.
Actor Mark Ruffalo, known for his role in “The Avengers,” raised a clenched fist in solidarity with the protesters, declaring, “We need peace,” as he made his way into the theatre.
The organization Jewish Voice for Peace reported a strong presence of Jews, allies, and members from the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, all supporting the ceasefire and advocating for Palestine. They emphasized the urgency of the situation, pointing out that while Hollywood celebrates, Gaza braces for a potential ground invasion.
“While Hollywood celebrates, Israel prepares for the ground invasion of Rafah, where over 1.3 million Palestinians are seeking refuge. This comes as reports of extreme hunger continue to mount on the first day of Ramadan,” they stated.
As the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s biggest night unfolded inside the theater, outside, a different narrative took shape—one of solidarity, activism, and a call for an end to the violence in Gaza. The 96th Academy Awards will be remembered not just for its cinematic achievements, but also for the voices raised in support of peace and justice.
