Title: Academy Museum Gala Cancels Red Carpet in Solidarity with Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Subtitle: Hollywood A-listers express support for innocent lives affected by recent violence
Los Angeles, CA – In response to the ongoing violence in Israel, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has decided to cancel the red carpet portion of its annual fundraising gala, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday. The move comes as a show of solidarity with innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives affected by the conflict.
A statement released by the Academy Museum on Thursday emphasized their condemnation of all forms of hate and cruelty, stating their support for those affected by the devastating conflict overseas. The decision to cancel the red carpet was made out of respect for the current situation and the loss of life.
However, the gala itself, which aims to honor industry icons including Meryl Streep, Michael B. Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, and Sofia Coppola, will proceed as planned. Attendees, including co-chairs Ava DuVernay, Dr. Eric Esrailian, Halle Berry, and Ryan Murphy, will enjoy a dinner and awards presentation inside the museum. The red carpet had already been scheduled to be limited in capacity, with no interviews permitted due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. Additionally, studio executives, who usually attend the gala, have chosen not to attend this year due to the work stoppage, instead donating their seats back to the museum.
This cancellation marks the first major Hollywood red carpet event affected by the recent attack on Israel by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. Many top stars, including Andrew Garfield, Angela Bassett, Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, and Tom Hanks, were expected to grace the carpet, joining the long list of celebrities showing their support.
The Academy Museum Gala is a crucial annual fundraiser for the museum, generating funds to support exhibitions, education initiatives, and public programming. The four awards to be presented at this year’s event align with the museum’s mission to advance the understanding, celebration, and preservation of film, challenging dominant narratives in cinema. The evening is presented by Rolex.
While the cancellation of the red carpet is undoubtedly disappointing, it serves as a reminder of the impact that global events can have on the entertainment industry. Hollywood’s decision to stand in solidarity with those affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict exhibits its commitment to condemning hate and promoting unity. As the Academy Museum continues to fulfill its mission, it remains a beacon in the community, advocating for inclusivity and understanding through the power of film.