As the glitz and glamour of the Academy Awards unfolded in Hollywood, the streets nearby were swarming with hundreds of protesters on Sunday. The demonstrators, rallying near the Dolby Theatre, voiced their vehement opposition to what they perceive as Hollywood’s endorsement of the U.S.-backed “Israeli genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.” Organized by a coalition including the U.S. Palestinian Community Network and Black Lives Matter LA, the protest aimed to disrupt the awards ceremony and highlight the film industry’s alleged retaliation against those criticizing Israel’s actions.
The situation escalated in the afternoon when protesters, pushing through a chainlink fence, came perilously close to the red carpet area. Swift intervention by the police prevented any further advancement. Despite the heightened tensions, the awards ceremony proceeded uninterrupted, albeit with the protesters cordoned off behind temporary walls. By 8:30 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department announced that the crowds had dispersed and normal traffic flow had been restored, marking the end of a day filled with intense demonstrations and one arrest for battery on a police officer.
Amidst the protests, the issue of the Gaza blockade and the occupation of Palestine found its way onto the red carpet itself. Notables such as Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell were spotted wearing pins advocating for a cease-fire, signifying the permeation of political activism into the entertainment sphere. The day’s events underscore the increasing intersection of Hollywood celebrity with global political advocacy, spotlighting pressing international issues on one of the industry’s biggest nights.
Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
