Protests over Israel-Gaza war snarl traffic outside Oscars theatre
- Scattered demonstrations were held near the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and protesters disrupted traffic for some making their way to the awards
- Oppenheimer is widely expected to overpower all competition – including its release-date companion, Barbie
Stars are arriving at the 96th Academy Awards, where protests over Israel’s war in Gaza are taking place near the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Scattered demonstrations were held in the vicinity around the Oscars on Sunday. Los Angeles police, which had expected protests, strengthened their already extensive presence. The Dolby Theatre and the red carpet leading into it are cordoned off for several blocks in every direction, though protesters disrupted traffic for some making their way to the awards.
Among the early arrivals on Sunday were Jamie Lee Curtis, last year’s best supporting actress winner, Barbie actor Simu Liu, Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin and members of the Osage Nation, who will join Scott George to perform Wahzhazhe from Killers of the Flower Moon.
The Oscars, kicking off at 7pm local time on Sunday, are springing forward an hour earlier than usual because of daylight saving time. But aside from the time shift, this year’s show is going for many tried-and-true Academy Awards traditions. Jimmy Kimmel is back as host. Past winners are flocking back as presenters. And a big studio epic is poised for a major awards haul.
Oppenheimer, the blockbuster biopic, is widely expected to overpower all competition – including its release-date companion, Barbie – at an election-year Oscars that could turn into a coronation for Christopher Nolan.
Still, much is circling around this year’s show. Aside from the Israel-Gaza war, the war in Ukraine will be on some attendees’ minds, particularly those of the journalist filmmakers behind the documentary favourite, 20 Days in Mariupol. And with the US presidential election in full swing, politics could be an unavoidable topic despite an awards season that has played out largely in a vacuum.
Hollywood also has plenty of its own storm clouds to concern itself with.
The 2023 film year was defined by a prolonged strike over the future of an industry that is reckoning with the onset of streaming, artificial intelligence and shifting audience tastes that have tested even the most bankable brands.
