The 96th Academy Awards faced an unexpected hurdle as attendees were forced to abandon their vehicles due to a gathering of pro-Palestine protesters, causing a significant delay in the ceremony.
Video footage posted on social media showcased activists blocking the roads leading to the prestigious Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, where the Oscars were being held.
The disruption occurred at the intersection of Highland Avenue and De Longpre Avenue, resulting in a line of black Escalades coming to a standstill.
Message Amidst Chaos: Ariana Grande’s ‘Traffic’ Instagram Post
Among the stars caught up in the chaos was singer-songwriter Ariana Grande, who took to Instagram to share a faceless photo featuring her diamond-encrusted necklace and frilly pink dress.
The caption, cryptically stating ‘traffic,’ hinted at the challenges faced by the celebrities navigating through the unexpected protest-related gridlock.
Calls for Ceasefire Echo Amidst Protesters’ Chants
As activists linked arms and chanted for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, the atmosphere grew tense. Protestors displayed signs with messages such as ‘The Oscars sponsored by baby killers’ and ‘Hollywood’s silence is violence.’
The Los Angeles Police Department swiftly intervened, with officers running towards the scene to manage the situation. Riot police worked to disperse the protestors, eventually allowing the stalled vehicles to resume their journey.
Growing Anxiety on the Red Carpet
The disruption didn’t go unnoticed on the red carpet, where production staffers and publicists expressed a palpable sense of anxiety. Variety reported a “growing sense of anxiety” among those involved in the event as the gridlock persisted.
Despite the hurdles, hordes of celebrities managed to make their way to the Oscars venue, but the ceremony itself commenced five minutes behind schedule.
Organized Protest Against Ongoing Conflicts
The protest that led to the Oscars delay was a coordinated effort by a coalition of artists and film workers, including organizations like Writers Against the War on Gaza LA, Film Workers for Palestine, and SAG-AFTRA Members for Ceasefire.
These groups united in a call for a permanent ceasefire and the liberation of Palestine. Ahead of the demonstration, Film Workers for Palestine, in collaboration with Jewish Voice for Peace’s Los Angeles chapter, urged people to gather at the Cinerama Dome to show solidarity and draw attention to what they referred to as an ongoing genocide.
Despite the disruption, the protest highlighted the intersection of Hollywood glamour and global socio-political issues, underscoring the industry’s role in amplifying voices for change.