96th Academy Awards: Protesters Cause Chaos on Oscars Red Carpet

Los Angeles, March 11 (IANS) – A swarm of protesters have caused chaos on Hollywood’s biggest night, the Oscars red carpet, by shutting down a major section of the area, leading to a traffic nightmare and delaying the start of the telecast. The protestors forced executives and celebrities to navigate through the traffic jam to reach the Dolby Theatre.

Protestors shut down Sunset Boulevard between Vine Street and La Brea Avenue, walking down the street with signs that read “No awards for genocide” and driving school buses covered with Palestinian flags. The disruption led to a delay in the broadcast of the Oscars, as seats remained empty and several guests were stuck in traffic, including top executives like Bob Iger.

Some attendees were forced to abandon their formal attire and make their way on foot from Sunset Boulevard to the Dolby Theatre due to the road closures. Despite the chaos, celebrities like Billie Eilish and Ramy Youssef wore red pins in support of Artists for Ceasefire, sending a message of peace and justice for the people of Palestine on the red carpet.

Youssef explained the significance of the pins, stating, “We’re calling for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We’re calling for peace and lasting justice for the people of Palestine.” The message of unity and peace resonated with many in attendance, with Youssef highlighting the importance of artists lending their voices to such causes.

As the Oscars ceremony unfolded amid the protests and disruptions, the event served as a platform for voices advocating for peace. The 96th Academy Awards, which is being aired on Disney+ Hotstar in India, saw a display of solidarity and support for Artists for Ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and promoting peace in times of conflict.