Hollywood stars wear 'red pins' at Oscar Awards in support of Gaza

Hollywood celebrities appeared on the red carpet for the 96th Academy Awards wearing red pins to call for halting ongoing Israeli atrocities in Gaza.

Several A-lister stars, including Billie Eilish, director Ava DuVernay, Poor Things star Mark Ruffalo, Ramy Youssef and many stars, took part in the protest.

“We are all calling for immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We are calling for the safety of everyone involved. We really want lasting justice and peace for the Palestinian people,” the Guardian quoted Youssef as saying.

The idea of wearing a pin was launched by Artists4Ceasefire, a group of individuals in the entertainment industry, who wrote a letter to US President Joe Biden, demanding a ceasefire. 

Celebs including Mark Ruffalo, Kristen Stewart, Mahershala Ali, Jennifer Lopez and Ava Du Vernay had signed the letter, stating, “We stand for freedom, justice, dignity, and peace for all people and a deep desire to stop more bloodshed.”

Prior to and during the red carpet, pro-Palestinian protesters blocked the road outside Cinerama Dome in Hollywood. 

Thousands of protestors, who forced Oscar attendees to reach at an event with delay were seen shouting, “Ceasefire now! Free Palestine.” 

Ahead Oscar red carpet, red pins made appearances at the Grammys and Screen Actors Guild Awards (Sag).