The Oscars somberly interrupted its celebrations Sunday night for a moment of silence to show support for the people of Ukraine, urging viewers around the world to do more to aid the war-torn country in its hour of need.
How the Oscars would address Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had been an open question going into the ceremony. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, a former actor, had pressed Hollywood for an appearance at the Oscars.
The show’s producers, however, decided to go in a different direction. They called for a moment of silence and showed three cards of gold text on black backgrounds after Reba McEntire’s performance of “Somehow You Do,” which was nominated for best song.
“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 the first card.
“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,” read the second. “Resources are scarce, and we — collectively and as a global community — can do more.”
“We ask you to support Ukraine in any way you are able,” read the third. “#StandWithUkraine.”
The first allusion to the war during the show came when Ben Proudfoot accepted the trophy for best documentary short for “The Queen of Basketball,” about Luisa Harris, the first woman officially drafted by the N.B.A. He acknowledged W.N.B.A. player Brittney Griner, who is currently detained in Russia, in his acceptance speech.
“President Biden, bring Brittney Griner home,” Proudfoot said.
Next came Mila Kunis, an actress from Chernivtsi, Ukraine, who was on the telecast to introduce the live performance of “Somehow You Do” — from “Four Good Days,” which Kunis starred in.
“Recent global events have left many of us feeling gutted,” Kunis said. “Yet when you witness the strength and dignity of those facing such devastation, it’s impossible to not be moved by their resilience. One cannot help but be in awe of those who find strength to keep fighting through unimaginable darkness.”
A week ago, the push for backing Ukraine during the Oscars began when Kunis and her husband, actor Ashton Kutcher, spoke on a video call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was in Kyiv. (Zelensky wanted to thank the couple for raising $35 million in a GoFundMe campaign for Ukrainian refugees and humanitarian aid.)
After that video call, Zelensky’s aides lobbied the academy for a last-minute slot at the Oscar ceremony, which seems to have been denied.
Two weeks ago, at the Critics Choice Awards, stars like Maria Bakalova (“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”) and Billy Crystal (“When Harry Met Sally,” “City Slickers”) spoke out about the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“I truly hope that we will come together and usher in a new era of cultural and artistic exchange between Eastern Europe and Hollywood, which has been a foundational force of creativity in the 20th century,” said Bakalova, who is from Bulgaria. “So I hope my message goes to the Ukrainian people: We see you. We stand with you. And our hearts are with you.”
Since then, the war between Ukraine and Russia has entered its second month.
