The 2024 Oscars made a powerful statement on Sunday night as attendees, including singer Billie Eilish and actor Mark Ruffalo, donned red pins calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. This move marked a significant departure from the usual avoidance of political issues during awards season.
The red pins symbolize support for Artists4Ceasefire, a group of celebrities and entertainment industry members who signed an open letter urging President Biden to call for a cease-fire. The pins, resembling glossy red quarters with a hand surrounding a small black heart, were worn by nearly 400 signatories, including Bradley Cooper, America Ferrera, Cate Blanchett, Drake, Ben Affleck, and Jennifer Lopez.
Ramy Youssef, a comedian and actor presenting at the ceremony, expressed his disappointment at the lack of questions about the war on previous red carpets. He emphasized the importance of a cease-fire, stating, “It’s about something really simple, which is just: Hey, let’s stop killing kids.”
The Israel-Hamas war has been a relatively small presence on red carpets, with only a few entertainers, such as Ava DuVernay and Quannah ChasingHorse, wearing the red pins. The pins have made intermittent appearances throughout awards season, with boygenius and actors Tony Shalhoub and Ebon Moss-Bachrach also sporting them at previous events.
Mark Ruffalo, nominated for Best Supporting Actor, has been a vocal advocate for a cease-fire, stating, “We’re not going to bomb our way to peace.” The war has resulted in over 30,000 deaths in Gaza and 1,200 in Israel, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian aid and a cessation of hostilities.
As Hollywood stars have increasingly used award show platforms to address political and social issues, the presence of the red pins at the Oscars signifies a shift towards addressing global conflicts. The Los Angeles Police Department anticipated possible protests related to the war on Oscar day, underscoring the significance of artists using their platforms to advocate for peace and humanitarian efforts.
