Oscars 2026: Celebrities Advocate for Gaza and Iran on the Red Carpet

Political messages took centre stage alongside Hollywood glamour at the 98th Academy Awards, as several celebrities used the red carpet and ceremony to advocate for peace in Gaza and speak out against the war involving Iran.

Held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the Oscars saw artists wearing symbolic pins, discussing humanitarian concerns in interviews and, in some cases, addressing the conflicts directly during the ceremony.

Among the most prominent voices was Spanish actor Javier Bardem, who wore a “No a la Guerra” (No to War) badge on the red carpet.

During the ceremony, Bardem delivered a powerful message calling for an end to violence and expressing solidarity with civilians affected by the conflicts. Speaking to the audience, he said:

“No to war and free Palestine.”

His remarks were widely shared across social media and drew strong reactions from viewers watching the ceremony around the world.

Several artists associated with the documentary The Voice of Hind Rajab also used the red carpet to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Among them were Saja Kilani and other members of the film’s team, who wore “Artists4Ceasefire” pins as they arrived at the ceremony. The pins have become a widely recognised symbol among actors and filmmakers advocating for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid access.

Speaking about the gesture, Kilani emphasised the importance of using global platforms like the Oscars to raise awareness about ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises.

The advocacy seen at the 2026 ceremony reflects a broader trend of political expression at major entertainment events. Several attendees used interviews with the press to express support for peace initiatives and to draw attention to the conflicts affecting civilians in Gaza and the wider region.

While the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences maintains that the Oscars celebrate cinematic achievements, the red carpet has increasingly become a platform for artists to highlight global issues.

As the film industry gathered to celebrate the year’s biggest cinematic achievements, the messages seen on the red carpet demonstrated how cultural events can also serve as stages for humanitarian advocacy.

For many attendees at the Academy Awards, the evening was not only about celebrating film but also about amplifying calls for peace and solidarity during a time of heightened global tensions.

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