Washington seemed like a distant land in an entirely different realm. During Sunday's Academy Awards ceremony, politics were but a fleeting whisper among the glistening red carpet and Hollywood glamour. The closest brush with President Trump and the recent Capitol turmoil came in the form of a subtly pointed remark by Conan O’Brien, the evening's host.
"You know, 'Anora' is really having a moment tonight," quipped O’Brien, alluding to the Oscar-winning film depicting a fleeting love affair between a sex worker and the son of a Russian oligarch. The film's poignant climax features Mikey Madison’s working-class protagonist confronting the powerful family head-on. "I suppose Americans are thrilled to witness someone finally standing up to a mighty Russian," O’Brien mused, his words subtly echoing the nation's collective sentiment towards Trump, whose administration was still grappling with the aftermath of a fiery Oval Office confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which Trump reprimanded Zelensky for his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Beyond hinting at the country’s divisive political climate, O’Brien kept his opening monologue rooted firmly in Hollywood soil, maintaining a respectful distance from Washington's tumultuous affairs.
Daryl Hannah took a more direct approach when presenting the Best Editing award, simply stating, "Slava Ukraine," before seamlessly transitioning to the announcement of the winner. Meanwhile, Zoe Saldaña, upon accepting the Best Supporting Actress award, subtly referenced the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. "I stand proud as a child of immigrant parents, bearers of dreams, dignity, and unwavering hard work," she declared.
The telecast’s most overtly political moment undoubtedly belonged to the Best Documentary Feature award, bestowed upon "No Other Land," a profound exploration of Israel’s demolition of Palestinian homes in the southern West Bank. In his acceptance speech, Palestinian activist and filmmaker Basel Adra issued a passionate plea to the world, urging "serious action to halt injustice and the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people." Yuval Abraham, the Israeli journalist who co-directed the film with Adra, echoed a hope for a political solution that respects national rights for both peoples. "And I must confess, as I stand here, the foreign policy of this country is hindering this path," he lamented.
This year’s Oscars continued a trend of award ceremonies largely steering clear of politics. Presenters and winners at the Golden Globes similarly sidestepped the subject, while a scant few artists at the Grammys ventured onto the political stage. A mention of the President was most anticipated in the Best Actor category, where Sebastian Stan was nominated for his portrayal of Trump in "The Apprentice." However, the honor ultimately went to Adrien Brody for his role in "The Brutalist."
