KUALA LUMPUR: All eyes were on the Oscars today, and many guests took the opportunity to advocate for a ceasefire and draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Entertainment portal Mashable reported that as the stars hit the red carpet, a large crowd held a protest outside the Dolby Theatre in support of Palestine, causing a traffic jam near the area.
Some stars, like Poor Thing's Ramy Youssef, sported small red buttons with an outstretched hand and black heart, the symbol for Artistes For Ceasefire, a campaign that began with a letter to United States President Joe Biden demanding a ceasefire.
Others, including Anatomy of a Fall's Swann Arlaud and Milo Machado Graner, wore the Palestinian flag on their lapels.
As the night progressed, acceptance speeches provided another opportunity to call attention to Israel's bombardment of Gaza and the humanitarian crisis that threatens widespread famine in the region.
The other stars who wore their support for Palestine included Billie Eilish, Mark Ruffalo, Ava DuVernay, Kaouther Ben Hania, Eugene Lee Yang, Misan Harriman and Quannah Chasinghorse.
Organised 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."