Up with liberation and down with occupation'
According to Variety, demonstrators from both sides gathered ahead of the event, with pro-Palestinian protesters holding signs saying "Heroes Fight Like Palestinians" and "Viva Viva Palestina." They also referenced No Other Land, a documentary about Israel's incursions in the West Bank that won Best Documentary at the Oscars this month. Some in the crowd chanted slogans such as "Up up with liberation, down down with occupation" and "No more money for Israel's crimes." Pro-Israel demonstrators countered with their own slogans and displays of support for Gadot.
The protests led to a roughly 15-minute delay in the ceremony. Tensions escalated further when a pro-Palestinian protester reportedly stole an Israeli flag, prompting police intervention. Videos shared online showed officers handcuffing several demonstrators as the event continued.
The protests occurred just days before the release of Disney's live-action Snow White, in which Gadot portrays the Evil Queen. The film has been embroiled in controversies, including speculations of a rift between Gadot and co-star Rachel Zegler, who has been vocal in her support for Palestine. Additionally, Zegler faced backlash for her critiques of the original 1937 Snow White and her political comments on social media.
Gadot served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and has repeatedly supported the brutal military operation against Palestinians since Israel launched a fresh round of attacks in Gaza on October 7, 2023. Speaking to Variety, she said, "When people were abducted from their homes, I could not be silent," she explained, adding that she was shocked by "how much people think they know when they actually have no idea."
During the ceremony itself, Gadot refrained from addressing the protests, instead focusing on her gratitude for the recognition. She thanked filmmaker Patty Jenkins and actor Vin Diesel for their support, calling herself "just a girl from a town in Israel."
The controversy surrounding Gadot comes amid broader tensions in Hollywood over Israel's genocide. Last month, pro-Palestinian activists protested at the premiere of Captain America: Brave New World, criticising Marvel's inclusion of the Israeli superhero Sabra, played by Israeli actor Shira Haas. With Hollywood increasingly divided on the issue, similar protests are likely to continue.
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