Cast of Oscar-nominated Palestinian drama The Voice of Hind Rajab wore ceasefire pins at the 2026 Academy Awards, whilst lead actor Motaz Malhees was unable to attend due to his Palestinian citizenship
The cast of Palestinian drama The Voice of Hind Rajab made their stance on the current political situation in the United States and beyond abundantly clear as they arrived at the Oscars Red Carpet on Sunday, 15 March.
They were seen wearing Artists for Ceasefire pins and calling for a “permanent ceasefire” across the board. The film, which has been nominated for Best International Film, saw three of its stars – Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, and Amer Hlehel – attending the ceremony to mark the recognition.
As they made their way down the red carpet, all three prominently displayed red Artists for Ceasefire pins – and discussed their significance – notably in the absence of their lead actor, who couldn’t attend due to his Palestinian citizenship.
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Speaking to Deadline, Kilani explained the meaning behind the pins, confirming they were advocating for a permanent ceasefire to all conflict in Palestine.
“So this pin is a collaboration with an artist called Shepard Fairey. It’s Artists for Ceasefire, and we’re demanding a permanent ceasefire, because there is no ceasefire right now,” she said. “There are bombings happening to this day, destruction, displacements all over the world. In Palestine, Lebanon, Iran, Venezuela, and everywhere.”, reports the Mirror US.
Khoury then interjected, revealing it was also a protest against ICE operations in the US, before Kilani added, “ICE, yes, so this is a demand for a permanent ceasefire.”
Hlehel also spoke out, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of their attendance due to lead actor Motaz Malhees being absent.
“I want to add that we feel very thrilled, almost very thrilled to be here, because we miss something very important. The fourth actor, our lead man…He was banned from entering the USA and can’t attend the Oscars,” he explained. “And that’s something that our celebration can’t happen today fully, because we miss him.”
Khoury concluded the group’s emotional appeal, reiterating calls for a ceasefire and insisting that those responsible for the conflicts must be held accountable.
“It proves to you what’s happening in America, the disenfranchising of people and one another,” she stated. “…We are all the same. We are all human. Hatred is a cancer, and people should open their hearts and our governments should acknowledge the other and be accountable for their atrocities everywhere.”
The three weren’t alone in making political statements on the red carpet, with numerous attendees wearing ICE OUT pins or making similar declarations. Actress Glennon Doyle carried a black beaded clutch emblazoned with “F-ICE” as she walked the red carpet alongside her partner, Olympic football champion Abby Wambach. Both women also wore pins.
Additional celebrities spotted wearing the badges included author Andrea Berentsen Ottmar, singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, and Malgosia Turzanska. The cast of The Voice of Hind Rajab weren’t the only attendees sporting Ceasefire pins; numerous other guests were spotted wearing them too.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
