The 2024 Oscars ceremony, traditionally a celebration of cinematic achievements, took an unexpected turn as it became a platform for political advocacy.
The night was marked by a strong Pro-Palestinian sentiment, both outside and inside the Dolby Theatre.
Before the stars could grace the red carpet, the event was met with fervent protests. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Hollywood, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the end of the blockade of Gaza. Their chants and signs, some reading “No awards for genocide,” delayed the ceremony’s start and made an indelible statement.
Inside the theatre, the atmosphere was charged with solidarity for the Palestinian cause. High-profile attendees like Marc Ruffalo and Billie Eilish wore red Artists for Ceasefire pins, symbolizing their support for the movement demanding a ceasefire based on the “devastating loss of lives” in the conflict.
The night’s speeches were not devoid of references to the ongoing conflict. Jonathan Glazer, director of ‘The Zone of Interest’, drew parallels between his film’s Holocaust theme and the current situation in Gaza. He dedicated his win to the victims of dehumanization and called for resistance against the occupation that has led to conflict for many innocent people.
The Oscars have long been a stage for artists to voice their concerns and advocate for change. This year, the message was clear: the entertainment industry stands in solidarity with the people of Palestine, calling for peace and justice in the region.
