Many prominent fixtures in Hollywood’s film, television, and music industries decided to make political statements during the 96th Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars.
On Sunday at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, a slew of celebrities adorned their elaborate gowns and fitted suits with lapel pins as a show of support for various political causes—most notably including the Israel-Hamas war.
The yellow ribbons, which were provided by the Israeli hostage advocacy organization “Bring Them Home” also made an appearance earlier this year, when various celebrities wore the yellow ribbons during the Golden Globes in January, such as actress J. Smith-Cameron and actor John Ortiz.
A flurry of red pins calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages by Hamas was also on display at the Oscars. Singer Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O'Connell sported the pins. The duo’s song, “What Was I Made For?” from the Greta Gerwig-directed film “Barbie,” won the evening’s Academy Award for Best Original Song.
“We are here to lend our voices and our platforms to amplify the global call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the safe return of all hostages, and the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilians in Gaza,” the website reads.
In addition to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, other political topics were on display on the red carpet and throughout the ceremony, including pins calling for equitable pay and those supporting the trans agenda.
Subtly voicing his support for the former, Dave Crossman, a costume designer for films like “The Batman” (2022) and “Napoleon” (2023), wore a pink pin with the slogan “Pay Equity Now.” Meanwhile Troy Quane, Oscar-nominated “Nimona” filmmaker and animator, wore a “Protect Trans Kids” pin.