From ‘ICE OUT’ to ‘free Palestinian’ to gun violence: How politics takes centre stage at Oscars

Several artists used the Academy Awards red carpet and stage on Sunday to protest not only the Trump administration’s immigration policies but also to advocate for Palestinian liberation, adding to growing artist-driven activism at entertainment awards shows.The presence of “BE GOOD” and “ICE OUT” pins at the Academy Awards drew less attention than last month’s Grammys, but some attendees who wore protest apparel used the Oscars to highlight other political causes.

Anti-Iran war and Free Palestine badge

“No to war and free Palestine,” actor Javier Bardem said onstage before presenting best international feature film.He wore a patch reading “No a la Guerra,” the same anti-war slogan he sported to protest the Iraq war more than two decades ago, and a badge featuring Handala, a cartoon figure that is seen as a symbol of Palestinian identity.Australian actor Guy Pearce wore a “Free Palestine” pin. In December, the Oscar-winner apologised for a series of antisemitic social media posts, which he said he had 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, which called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid for civilians, and the release of all hostages, Forbes reported. “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 emphasised the importance of sustained public attention on civilian suffering.Israeli strikes have killed hundreds of Palestinians since a truce went into effect in October, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry. Israel has said it is responding to violations of the ceasefire.

Anti-ICE badge

Polish-American costume designer Malgosia Turzanska, nominated for Hamnet, had an ‘ICE OUT’ pin on her dress, as did songstress Sara Bareilles, while Glennon Doyle took a more explicit approach, unashamedly carrying a ‘F**K ICE’ purse.Trump’s travel ban on Palestinian forces nominated actor to stay out of OscarMotaz Malhees, the lead actor in The Voice of Hind Rajab, which was nominated for Best International Feature, was unable to attend the ceremony after being barred from entering the United States under a travel ban introduced by Donald Trump’s administration. Just days before the ceremony, Malhees revealed the 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,” he wrote. “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, was also unable to attend. According to reports, she instead watched the ceremony from Greece, where her family was granted asylum with help from executive producer Amed Khan.

A grieving mother’s plea on gun violence stopped the room

Another unforgettable moment came on stage 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 — a reminder that even Hollywood’s biggest night can’t escape the weight of real-world tragedies.

Mr Nobody Against Putin wins best documentary, draws parallel to US politics

The best documentary category brought more social commentary. David Borenstein, one of the “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” directors, said the documentary is about “how you lose your country.”That 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 said.“We all face a moral choice, but luckily, even a nobody is more powerful than you think,” he said.