Why are celebrities wearing a red pin badge at the Oscars?

There are few places that draw the world’s attention like the red carpet at the Oscars ceremony. The biggest stars on the planet come together for a night of celebration that goes down in history.

Stylish stars and fashion faux pas are normally the most talked-about subjects at the red carpet, but this year’s ceremony brought another topic to the centre of conversation.

A number of attendees at the 96th Academy Awards were wearing a small red pin on their lapel. The badge is circular with a red hand and a black heart in the centre. The like of Billie Eilish and Ramy Youssef were seen wearing the badge, which is a show of support for a ceasefire in Gaza.

“We’re all calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We’re calling for the safety of everyone involved. We really want lasting justice and peace for the Palestinian people,” comedian and actor Youssef said on the red carpet on Sunday evening.

“There’s so much there to process and it feels like the easiest way to have the conversations that people want to have is when they’re isn’t an active bombing campaign happening.”

Who are Artists4Ceasefire?

The badges are produced by a campaign group called Artists4Ceasefire, who have authored an open letter to President Joe Biden in support of the cause. They are calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to allow residents to receive crucial humanitarian aid.

Youssef and Eilish are not the only Oscars attendees sporting the badge. Eugene Lee Yang, Misan Harriman and Kaouther Ben Hania were all seen wearing the red symbol. The Artists4Ceasefire group includes many of the biggest names in show business and many celebrities signed the letter to Biden.

“Beyond our pain and mourning for all of the people there and their loved ones around the world we are motivated by an unbending will to stand for our common humanity. We stand for freedom, justice, dignity and peace for all people – and a deep desire to stop more bloodshed,” the letter read. The likes of Kristen Stewart, Mahershala Ali, Jennifer Lopez and Mark Ruffalo all signed the letter.

The red pins have become a familiar sight at high profile events like the Academy Awards. Singers Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker (all part of group Boygenius) were seen wearing the badge at the Grammys recent. Tony Shalhoub and Ebon Moss-Bachrach wore them at the Grammys and Screen Actors Guild awards.