Why Billie Eilish, Mark Ruffalo, and Ava DuVernay Wore Red Pins at the Oscars
Discover the powerful message behind the coordinated red pins donned by celebrities at the Oscars, advocating for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza.
Billie Eilish, Finneas, Mark Ruffalo, Ava DuVernay, Ramy Youssef, and Quannah Chasinghorse recently wore matching red lapel pins at the Academy Awards. But what is the significance of these pins?
The pins feature a hand outline around a black heart, symbolizing a call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. This conflict has led to a significant number of casualties, with Palestinian health authorities reporting 30,000 deaths in Gaza since October. Over 400 celebrities, including those mentioned, have joined Artists4Ceasefire, a campaign that advocates for an immediate end to the violence in Gaza and Israel. The group published a letter in late October urging the US Congress and President Joe Biden to support their cause.
In a press statement, Artists4Ceasefire expressed their solidarity for an immediate and lasting cease-fire in Gaza. They emphasized the importance of releasing all hostages and providing urgent humanitarian aid to civilians.
Zendaya arrives at the 96th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, on March 10.
Actor Ramy Youssef wearing the Artists4Ceasefire pin at the Oscars on Sunday.
Sarah Morris/WireImage/Getty Images
Filmmaker Ava DuVernay was among several celebrities expressing support for a ceasefire.
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Zendaya arrives at the 96th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, on March 10.
John Shearer/WireImage/Getty Images
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But unlike the Time's Up movement, which was widely visible at awards shows in 2018 to show support for victims of sexual harassment, the ceasefire pins have only been spotted on a few celebrities on recent red carpets. Boygenius and Annie Lennox were seen wearing the pins at this year's Grammy Awards, with Lennox making a plea for peace during her time on stage.
Similarly, at the Academy Awards red carpet, actors Milo Machado-Graner and Swann Arlaud from "Anatomy of a Fall" donned pins displaying the Palestinian flag.
Youssef, a comedian and actor who starred in "Poor Things" with Ruffalo and Emma Stone, shared his frustration about the slow progress towards ending the war on the Oscars red carpet. He emphasized the importance of calling for a ceasefire, stating that there is no other option. Youssef urged everyone to speak up and raise awareness about the need for peace.
Other stars who signed the Artists4Ceasefire letter include Cate Blanchett, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez, Bradley Cooper and America Ferrera.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the use of red lapel pins by celebrities like Billie Eilish and Mark Ruffalo at the Academy Awards to advocate for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. It is a symbolic gesture of solidarity with those affected by the violence in Gaza. The Artists4Ceasefire campaign, supported by over 400 celebrities, urges the US government to support their call for an immediate end to the hostilities and the provision of humanitarian aid.
It is disheartening to learn that the progress towards ending the conflict has been slow. As actor Ramy Youssef pointed out on the Oscars red carpet, there is no other option but to call for a ceasefire. The article emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and speaking up for peace, as exemplified by the celebrities who have publicly expressed their support for Artists4Ceasefire. The conflict has had a devastating impact on both Israelis and Palestinians, and it is crucial that all parties work towards a resolution that respects the rights and dignity of all involved.
