Pro-Palestine Protests Slow Down Hollywood Streets Ahead of Oscars

2025 Oscars approach roads were obstructed by protesters supporting Palestine on Sunday, causing delays in traffic before the event’s commencement.

The demonstration took place at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, which is where vehicles and luxury cars typically make a turn towards the Dolby Theatre. According to reports by The Hollywood Reporter, authorities shut down multiple adjacent streets due to the commotion. Additionally, one staff member from The Hollywood Reporter who was present during Sunday’s event observed that traffic flowed sluggishly as a result.

A social media update by human rights group Code Pink stated that they were “demonstrating outside the Oscars in Los Angeles, advocating against Hollywood’s involvement in Israel’s alleged mistreatment of the Palestinian population.

A different informant shared with The Hollywood Reporter that the Los Angeles Police Department has beefed up their security precautions for this year’s event, following last year’s protests – some for Palestine – which delayed access to the red carpet. However, this year’s demonstrations have not affected the schedule of the ceremony, and several major stars anticipated to shine tonight, such as Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, have already made their appearance.

6 minutes after its scheduled start last year, the Oscars ceremony commenced due to demonstrations that halted traffic on Sunset and Highland for over half an hour. Consequently, attendees exited their cars and strolled towards the event along the street.

In 2025, the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to be a significant topic in Hollywood. Recently, Artists4Ceasefire sent out a letter encouraging attendees to wear red hand pins as a show of solidarity for Gaza. However, The Brigade, a public relations organization, contested this appeal following the disclosure of the bodies of children killed by Hamas’ October 7 attack. Artists4Ceasefire explained that these pins represent “the urgency of our call to save lives.” The orange hand symbolizes the diverse community of people from various backgrounds who have united in support of empathizing with each other’s humanity, while the heart in the center of the hand serves as a reminder for us to act from our hearts and lead with compassion and love.

The Brigade, comprising more than 700 individuals, responded by stating that the hand doesn’t stand for peace; instead, it’s a symbol deeply associated with Jewish bloodshed.

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2025-03-03 02:54