All eyes are on the Oscars tonight, and many are using the opportunity to advocate for a ceasefire and draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid ongoing protests.
As the stars hit the red carpet, a large crowd gathered outside the Dolby Theatre to protest in support of Palestine, causing a traffic jam near the venue.
Some stars, like Poor Thing’s Ramy Youssef, sported small red buttons with an out-stretched hand and black heart, the symbol for Artists for Ceasefire, a campaign that began with a letter to Joe Biden demanding a ceasefire. Others, including Anatomy of a Fall's Swann Arlaud and Milo Machado Graner, wore the Palestinian flag on his lapel.
As the night progresses, acceptance speeches will provide another opportunity to call attention to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and the humanitarian crisis that threatens widespread famine in the region.
Stars who wore their support for Palestine
Billie Eilish, Barbie
Credit: Getty Images: JC Olivera / StringerEilish wore an Artists For Ceasefire pin.
Mark Ruffalo, Poor Things
Credit: Getty Images: Michael Blackshire / ContributorRuffalo wore an Artists For Ceasefire pin.
FINNEAS, Barbie
Credit: Getty Images: WWD / ContributorFINNEAS wore an Artists For Ceasefire pin.
Ava DuVernay
Credit: Getty Images: JC Olivera / StringerDuVernay wore an Artists For Ceasefire pin.
Ramy Youssef, Poor Things
Credit: Getty Images: Marleen Moise / StaffYoussef wore an Artists For Ceasefire pin.
Swann Arlaud, Anatomy of a Fall
Credit: Getty Images: Mike Coppola / StaffArlaud wore a Palestian flag pin.
Milo Machado-Graner, Anatomy of a Fall
Credit: Getty Images: Mike Coppola / StaffMachado-Graner wore a Palestian flag pin.
Kaouther Ben Hania, Four Daughters
Credit: Getty Images: Mike Coppola / StaffBen Hania wore an Artists for Ceasefire pin.
Eugene Lee Yang, Nimona
Credit: Getty Images: Getty Images: JC Olivera / StringerLee Yang wore an Artists for Ceasefire pin.
Misan Harriman, The After
Credit: Getty Images: Getty Images: Gilbert Flores / ContributorHarriman wore an Artists for Ceasefire pin.
Quannah Chasinghorse
Credit: Getty Images: JC Olivera / StringerChasinghorse wore an Artists for Ceasefire pin.
The pro-Palestine protest that nearly shut down the Oscars red carpet
Hundreds of pro-Palestine protestors marched outside Dolby Theater calling for a permanent ceasefire.
Organized by Film Workers for Palestine, Jewish Voice for Peace LA, Adalah Justice Project, and SAG-AFTRA Members for Ceasefire, the protest began with a march through Hollywood and blocked traffic. In a joint Instagram post the groups wrote, "We will not be distracted by the entertainment industry. We WILL continue to call for a permanent ceasefire and Palestinian liberation."
This is a developing story and will be updated.
