Oscar Awards Ceremony Delayed By Pro-Palestine Protesters, Celebrities Forced To Walk To The Theater

Before the 96th Academy Awards ceremony, pro-Palestine activists blocked roads to the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles where the Oscars are held.

Footage posted to X showed protestors chanting on Highland Avenue and De Longpre Avenue. Black escalades transporting Academy Award attendees, including singer-songwriter Ariana Grande, were forced to stop. Some Academy Award attendees were seen walking to the venue to avoid traffic.

“The Oscars sponsored by baby killers,” one sign said.

Another sign showed, “Hollywood’s silence is violence.”

Riot police swarmed to the scene and formed a perimeter around the Dolby Theater. Police apprehended some protesters while others were forced to leave. Once the streets were cleared, vehicles continued to move to the venue.

One day before the demonstration, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the invasion of the city of Rafah where over one million Gazans are sheltered. Writers Against the War on Gaza LA, Film Workers for Palestine, SAG-AFTRA Members for Ceasefire and other groups organized the demonstration with artists and filmmakers.

President Joe Biden said Netanyahu’s decision was a “red line” for him. Biden later backtracked on his statement and affirmed his support for Israel.

The ceremony proceeded without incident with Oppenheimer winning the majority of top awards.