Oscars 2024: Artists Use Red Carpet to Protest Gaza War and Immigration Policies
The 2024 Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday became a platform for political activism, as several artists utilized the red carpet and stage to protest the Trump administration's immigration policies and advocate for Palestinian liberation. This trend adds to a growing wave of artist-driven activism at major entertainment awards shows, with attendees highlighting causes ranging from anti-war sentiments to calls for humanitarian aid.
Pro-Palestinian Pins and Speeches Dominate the Event
While "BE GOOD" and "ICE OUT" pins garnered less attention compared to last month's Grammys, many attendees wore protest apparel to spotlight political issues. Actor Javier Bardem made a bold statement onstage before presenting the award for best international feature film. He declared, "No to war and free Palestine," while wearing a patch that read "No a la Guerra"—the same anti-war slogan he used to protest the Iraq war over two decades ago—and a badge featuring Handala, a cartoon figure symbolizing Palestinian identity.
Australian actor Guy Pearce also wore a "Free Palestine" pin. In December, the Oscar-winner apologized for a series of antisemitic social media posts, which he claimed were inadvertently reposted as part of his support for the Palestinian cause. British actress Charithra Chandran was among those wearing the red enamel Artists4Ceasefire badge during the ceremony. This badge calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid for civilians, and the release of all hostages.
"What we are demanding is a ceasefire in Gaza. I think that I am so blessed to have a platform, and this is the least I could do to use it," Chandran told The Hollywood Reporter on the red carpet. She emphasized the importance of sustained public attention on civilian suffering. According to Gaza's Hamas-run Health Ministry, Israeli strikes have killed hundreds of Palestinians since a truce went into effect in October. Israel has stated it is responding to violations of the ceasefire.
Immigration Policy Protests and Travel Ban Impact
Polish-American costume designer Malgosia Turzanska, nominated for Hamnet, wore an 'ICE OUT' pin on her dress, as did songstress Sara Bareilles. Glennon Doyle took a more explicit approach by unashamedly carrying a 'F**K ICE' purse, directly targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies.
In a poignant example of the travel ban's effects, Motaz Malhees, the lead actor in The Voice of Hind Rajab—nominated for Best International Feature—was unable to attend the ceremony. He was barred from entering the United States under a travel ban introduced by Donald Trump's administration. Just days before the Oscars, Malhees revealed this news in an emotional Instagram post: "Three days left to the Oscars. Our film is nominated for an Academy Award. I had the honor of playing one of the lead roles in a story the world needed to hear. But I will not be there. I am not allowed to enter the United States because of my Palestinian citizenship."
The film's subject's mother, Wissam Hamada, also could not attend. Reports indicate she watched the ceremony from Greece, where her family was granted asylum with help from executive producer Amed Khan.
Other Emotional and Political Moments at the Oscars
Another unforgettable moment occurred when All the Empty Rooms won Best Documentary Short. Director Joshua Seftel invited Gloria Cazares—the mother of nine-year-old Jackie Cazares, who was killed in the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas in 2022—to the stage. "My daughter Jackie was nine years old when she was killed in Uvalde. Since that day, her bedroom has been frozen in time," Cazares told the audience. "Jackie is more than just a headline. She is our light and our life." The emotional tribute left the Dolby Theatre silent before erupting into a standing ovation, reminding attendees that even Hollywood's biggest night cannot escape the weight of real-world tragedies.
The best documentary category brought further social commentary. David Borenstein, one of the directors of Mr. Nobody Against Putin, stated that the documentary is about "how you lose your country." He explained this happens through "countless small little acts of complicity," such as "when a government murders people on the streets of our major cities" or when "oligarchs take over the media." Borenstein concluded, "We all face a moral choice, but luckily, even a nobody is more powerful than you think," drawing parallels to U.S. politics.
These incidents underscore how the 2024 Oscars transcended mere celebration, becoming a powerful arena for global political discourse and humanitarian appeals.
