Celebrities Pay Subtle Tribute To Ukraine At The 2022 Oscars

A quiet tribute was paid to the war in Ukraine during last night’s 94th Academy Awards ceremony.

The Oscars came under fire after reportedly refusing Amy Schumer’s suggestion to feature Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Though the Academy never commented on whether it would address the war in Ukraine, actor and filmmaker Sean Penn had encouraged people to boycott the awards if Zelenskyy was not offered the opportunity to appear.

Ultimately, Zelenskyy was not featured during the ceremony, though the Academy held 30 seconds of silence in honour of those fighting in Ukraine.

“We’d like to have a moment of silence to show our support for the people of Ukraine currently facing invasion, conflict and prejudice within their own borders,” read viewer’s screens. “While film is an important avenue for us to express our humanity in times of conflict, the reality is millions of families in Ukraine need food, medical care, clean water and emergency services.”

“Resources are scarce and we collectively as a global community, can do more. We ask you to support Ukraine in any way you are able #standwithukraine.”

Not sure if this was televised, but it just showed in the room… pic.twitter.com/RD1Zvlpsi5

— Scott Feinberg (@ScottFeinberg) March 28, 2022

One celebrity who did not shy away from addressing the war in Ukraine was actress Mila Kunis. Born in Ukraine, she and her husband Ashton Kutcher have so far raised around $35 million in humanitarian aid for refugees.

There as a presenter, Kunis used her time on stage to say: “Recent global events have left us feeling gutted yet when you witness the strength and dignity of those facing such devastation it’s impossible not to be moved by their resilience. One cannot help but be aware of those who find strength to keep fighting through unimaginable darkness.”

Mila Kunis with a brief reference to Ukraine… pic.twitter.com/gEn1TBY2im

— Scott Feinberg (@ScottFeinberg) March 28, 2022

Other celebrities, including Jamie Lee Curtis and Samuel L Jackson, showed their support on the red carpet by wearing blue ribbons issued by the United Nations. Benedict Cumberbatch was also spotted wearing a pin of the Ukrainian flag, while Jason Momoa sported a pocket square in the Ukrainian national colours, yellow and blue.

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