By Kyree Walker
Stars lined up at Dolby Theater in Los Angeles to celebrate the 95th Academy Awards. Hosting for his fourth time was TV personality, Jimmy Kimmel.
With 24 total categories, the 2023 movie Oppenheimer came out on top for seven of them, including the award for Best Picture.
The red carpet was lined with well-known celebrities such as singer Ariana Grande, wrestler Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson, and Emma Stone, who won the award for Best Actress.
We also got the chance to see John Cena, whose interesting entrance to the stage has caused a number of reactions online.
To announce the Best Costume Design, Cena was dressed with nothing, only having a large note card to cover the front. He was saved by the stage crew, who draped him in a big curtain, allowing him to give the award to Holly Waddingtons, Poor Things.
A sizable number of celebrities decided to show their support for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza by showing off their ‘Artists4cesfire’ pins.
Jonathan Glazer, who won Best International Feature Film for his movie The Zone of Interest, when giving his acceptance speech said, “Our film shows where dehumanization leads, at its worst. Right now we stand here as men who refute their Jewishness”.
He continues, “The Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation which has led to conflict for so many innocent people.”
Actor Mark Ruffalo also made a late appearance, showing off the red pin as well, “The Palestinian protest, shut down the Oscars tonight! Humanity wins!” He boldly stated before he headed inside, late to the event because of a protest that had formed outside.
Another actor, Ramy Youssef, explained why he wears the red pin, “I think it’s a universal message of, ‘let’s stop killing kids’”
Grand Rapids Community College student Divine Irankunda noted “If you’re protesting, you need a lot of attention,” when asked her opinion about protests taking place at the Oscars, and said that the Awards are important on their own.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was also brought to light as Director Mstyslav Chernov took the spot for Best Documentary Feature, with his film 20 Days in Mariupol. This will be Ukraine’s first Oscar.
“Probably I will be the first Director on the stage who will say I wish I never made this film,” Chernov says. “I wish to give away all the recognition for Russia not killing tens of thousands of my fellow Ukrainians.”
Sunday was the day when celebrities used their voices, calling out injustice and bringing to light some of the issues we face. The 2023 release of Barbie had a goal to point out the struggles of today’s women. The film received the award for Best Original Song with Billie Eilish What was I made for?
Several performances happened throughout the night as well, featuring artists such as Becky G, Jon Batiste, and Scott George who performed with a group of native singers and dancers from the Osage Tribe.
Congratulations to the winners and nominees.
If you want to find out more about Gaza consider going to this website! Or if you want to learn more about Ukraine, visit here!
