March 10th, 2024 saw the anticipated Oscars red carpet rolled out in Hollywood, California. The audience, both on the screen and on the streets, expected the usual haute-couture line-up from various actors, musicians, and film crews. Reporters expected to ask the typical questions regarding the latest project, who is hot or not, and what they think the future of cinema will be in a post-SAG strike world.
What they had not accounted for was a pro-Palestine rally occurring outside of the Dolby Theatre. Approximately 1,000 protesters blocked traffic, causing many celebrities to walk down Hollywood Boulevard, crossing the picket line, to head toward the Oscars. Protesters were calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, carrying signs that said various slogans such as: “While you’re watching, bombs are dropping,” “No awards for silence! Overthrow Hollywood!,” and “Eyes on Rafah.”
The war in Gaza began long before the October 7th attacks. However, in the over 100 days since, it has become clear to the international community, and to the American people, that there needs to be a permanent cease-fire in order to ensure the survival of the Palestinian men, women, and children who are experiencing famine, inaccessible healthcare, and instability.
There was a mixed response to the protesters, who were successful in temporarily delaying the Oscars. Chauffeurs, and Oscars organizers, were frustrated at the delay. However, some celebrities were supportive of the protest, although, since the airing of the Oscars, there has been contention regarding the performative activism of some celebrities who were seen wearing the red ceasefire pin on their clothing, including singer-songwriter Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell, who allegedly took off the pins before their performance of “What Was I Made For?”.
However, there is no doubt that the protest was successful. Several news outlets reported on the event, expanding the spotlight beyond the confines of the Dolby Theatre and instead allowing the audience to momentarily set their eyes on Rafah.
“The Palestinian protests shut down the Oscars tonight,” actor Mark Ruffalo shouted, holding his fist in the air, “Humanity wins!”