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Political Underpinnings at the 97th Academy Awards
The 97th Academy Awards marked a significant celebration of cinematic achievements, as the prestigious ceremony awarded gold statues to those who excelled in film across various categories. While the primary focus was on the films vying for top honors, the event saw several poignant moments where discussions expanded beyond celluloid accomplishments to include pressing political issues.
One of the first notable political remarks came from Daryl Hannah, presenter of the Best Film Editing award. With two simple words—“Slava Ukraina”—she expressed solidarity with Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia, a war that began three years ago. This statement resonated amid strained diplomatic relations, particularly after controversial comments made by former President Donald Trump about Ukraine’s leadership.
In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Zoe Saldana, who won Best Supporting Actress, reflected on her heritage as the first American actress of Dominican descent to receive the accolade. She emphasized the resilience and aspirations of immigrant families, stating that she is a “proud child of immigrant people.” In the context of recent discussions around mass deportations, her statements carried significant weight, illustrating the struggles of many in similar circumstances.
The creators of the documentary film No Other Land, Yuval Abraham and Basel Adra, took the stage to accept their Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. Their film, a collaborative effort between Israeli and Palestinian civilians, served as a platform to advocate for peace in Gaza. Adra’s passionate plea for justice highlighted the urgent need for global attention to the humanitarian crisis affecting Palestinians, stating, “We call on the world to take serious actions to stop the injustice and to stop the ethnic cleansing of Palestinian people.”
While the host Conan O’Brien generally refrained from extensive political commentary, he did manage to weave in a subtle critique of the current U.S. administration during the latter part of the show. Celebrating the success of the film Anora, which garnered accolades for Best Editing and Best Original Screenplay, O’Brien humorously remarked, “Two wins already. I guess Americans are excited to see someone stand up to a powerful Russian,” indirectly addressing the prevailing geopolitical dynamics.
Best Actor recipient Adrien Brody took the opportunity to extend his time at the podium, allowing him to convey a deeper message about his role in The Brutalist. He discussed the pervasive themes of “lingering traumas of war and systematic oppression” and emphasized the importance of vigilance against hate, urging, “I pray for a healthier and a happier and a more inclusive world. And I believe if the past can teach us anything it’s to not let hate go unchecked.”
Moreover, Mikey Madison, who won Best Actress for her role in Anora, used her acceptance speech to advocate for the rights of sex workers, promising to remain an ally to that community, thereby addressing the often marginalized voices within society.
As the Oscars unfolded, it became evident that many attendees were committed to leveraging their platform for social justice and raising awareness about critical societal issues, reflecting a broader trend within the entertainment industry to align artistic expression with activism.
Source
www.tvinsider.com