Hollywood’s awards season culminated in a display of political expression at the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday, with several attendees using the high-profile event to advocate for both immigration reform and a ceasefire in Gaza. Building on a trend that began at the Grammys last month, actors and filmmakers subtly and overtly voiced their concerns on the red carpet and during the ceremony, signaling a growing willingness among celebrities to leverage their platforms for political advocacy. This year’s Oscars saw a marked increase in political statements compared to previous years, reflecting a broader societal engagement with pressing global issues.
The utilize of symbolic accessories, such as pins and clutch bags bearing pointed messages, became a prominent feature of the evening. While the display was less overt than at February’s Grammy Awards, where a significant number of attendees wore pins supporting various causes, the Oscars still provided a platform for raising awareness about critical issues. This year’s activism extended beyond immigration, with a notable focus on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and calls for a cessation of hostilities. The convergence of entertainment and political expression underscores a shift in the role of celebrities, who are increasingly viewed as influential voices in public discourse.
Oscars Attendees Advocate for Palestinian Ceasefire
Several attendees at the 98th Academy Awards used the event to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Actor Javier Bardem, while presenting the award for best international feature film, wore a patch reading “No a la Guerra” – “No to war” – a slogan he previously used to protest the Iraq War decades ago. This gesture highlighted the enduring concern over armed conflict and the desire for peaceful resolutions. The display resonated with many viewers and sparked conversations about the role of artists in advocating for peace.
Attendees representing the documentary “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” nominated for best international feature film, wore red “Artists4Ceasefire” pins. The film centers on the efforts to rescue Hind Rajab, a Palestinian girl killed in Gaza, bringing the human cost of the conflict directly into the spotlight. Saja Kilani, one of the film’s stars, stated on the red carpet, “Our struggles are connected. So is our liberation. And we’re so, so honored to be here tonight,” according to the Associated Press. The film’s presence at the Oscars and the accompanying advocacy served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. According to the Associated Press, Israeli strikes have killed hundreds of Palestinians since a U.S.-brokered truce went into effect in October.
Continuing Protests Over Immigration Policy
The tradition of using the Oscars red carpet to protest U.S. Immigration policies, which gained momentum at the Golden Globes, continued this year. Actress Glennon Doyle made a particularly strong statement, arriving with a black beaded clutch emblazoned with “F— ICE,” accompanied by her partner, Olympic soccer legend Abby Wambach. This bold display directly criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its policies. Author Andrea Berentsen Ottmar and singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles likewise sported “ICE OUT” pins, joining a growing chorus of voices calling for immigration reform. The use of these pins originated with a campaign spearheaded by Maremoto, a Latino advocacy group, at the Golden Globes, as reported by the Associated Press.
Maremoto Executive Director Jess Morales Rocketto described the increased political engagement among celebrities as a “return to form,” crediting comments made by actor Mark Ruffalo at the Golden Globes in January. Ruffalo had expressed difficulty in participating in celebratory events while ignoring “the crazy stuff” happening in the world. Morales Rocketto stated that this sentiment tapped into a broader desire among celebrities to capture a stand on important issues. The organization’s efforts to mobilize support for immigration reform through visible displays of protest have clearly resonated within the entertainment industry.
Security Measures and Political Tensions
The heightened political climate surrounding the Oscars prompted increased security measures. Oscars executive producers Katy Mullan and Raj Kapoor addressed recent political tensions during a press conference, stating, “We desire everybody that is coming to this show, that is witnessing the show, that is even a fan of the show when they’re standing outside the barricades, we want everybody to experience safe and protected, and welcome.” They confirmed collaboration with the FBI and the LAPD to ensure the safety of attendees. This heightened security response came in the wake of an FBI alert warning California law enforcement about a potential retaliatory drone attack by Iran, according to reporting by the Associated Press. The increased security measures underscore the sensitivity of hosting a high-profile event amidst geopolitical instability.
Beyond the visible protests, the ceremony itself contained subtle political undertones. Host Conan O’Brien made jokes referencing the U.S. Healthcare system and conservative political figures, while director Paul Thomas Anderson, accepting an award for “One Battle After Another,” spoke of writing the film as an apology to his children for “the housekeeping mess we left in this world we’re handing off to them.” These moments, while not explicitly political endorsements, reflected a broader awareness of the challenges facing the world and a sense of responsibility among artists to address them.
The Growing Trend of Political Activism in Entertainment
The increased political engagement at the Oscars and other awards shows reflects a broader trend of celebrities using their platforms to advocate for social and political change. This trend has been particularly noticeable in recent years, with artists speaking out on issues ranging from climate change and racial justice to immigration and international conflicts. The willingness of celebrities to take a stand on controversial issues has sparked both praise and criticism, but it has undoubtedly raised awareness and fueled public debate. The use of awards shows as platforms for political expression demonstrates the evolving role of entertainment figures in contemporary society.
Other advocacy groups also leveraged the Oscars’ visibility to promote their causes. Free Press, for example, used a mobile billboard circling the Dolby Theater to protest Paramount Skydance’s potential takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, highlighting concerns about media consolidation. This demonstrates how the Oscars can serve as a focal point for a diverse range of political and social movements. The convergence of entertainment and activism underscores the growing interconnectedness of these spheres.
Morales Rocketto acknowledged that individual acts of protest, such as wearing a pin, may not immediately lead to systemic change. Though, she emphasized the importance of collective action, likening each individual gesture to a “droplet” in a larger “ocean” of change. She stated, “This only happens if stars say yes, if stars decide to use their platform, if they decide that they want to develop statements that go beyond, ‘What am I wearing.’” This sentiment highlights the power of collective action and the responsibility of influential figures to use their voices for positive change.
The 98th Academy Awards, served not only as a celebration of cinematic achievement but also as a platform for political expression and social commentary. The visible displays of advocacy, coupled with subtle political undertones throughout the ceremony, underscored a growing trend of artists using their influence to address pressing global issues. As the awards season concludes, the impact of these actions remains to be seen, but they undoubtedly contributed to a broader conversation about the role of entertainment in shaping public discourse.
Looking ahead, the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the debate over U.S. Immigration policy are likely to remain prominent issues in the public sphere. Further developments in these areas, including potential ceasefires in Gaza and legislative action on immigration reform, will undoubtedly continue to inspire political engagement among artists and activists alike. The next major event where such advocacy may be visible will be the Cannes Film Festival in May 2026.
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