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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
James Pollard

Politically charged Oscars sees peace pins and protests

Indian actress Priyanka Chopra and Spanish actor Javier Bardem present the award for Best International Feature Film onstage during the 98th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 15, 2026. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images) - (AFP/Getty)

Hollywood's biggest night saw artists protest more than just the Trump administration's immigration policies. Though "BE GOOD" and "ICE OUT" pins at the Academy Awards were fewer than at last month's Grammys, some used the red carpet to advocate for Palestinian liberation and a ceasefire amid the fragile situation in Gaza, furthering artist-driven activism at entertainment awards shows.

Actor Javier Bardem declared "No to war and free Palestine" onstage before presenting best international feature film. He wore a patch reading "No a la Guerra," the same anti-war slogan he sported to protest the Iraq war more than two decades ago.

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