‘Let People Wear Whatever Pin They Want’

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As the Oscars approach, two small symbols of disagreement have gained attention – each expressing a distinct ideological stance concerning Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza, foreshadowing potential tension before the grand Hollywood awards event. On one hand: the red and orange Artists4Ceasefire badge, representing their aim for “a lasting truce, the liberation of all captives, and the provision of essential aid to civilians in Gaza.” The badge has been spotted on the coats of Ayo Edebiri, Guy Pearce, and indie group boygenius at the Golden Globes and Grammys (as well as last year’s Academy Awards, where Best Supporting Actor nominee Mark Ruffalo wore it). On the other side: a stylish capitalized letter ‘B,’ symbolizing the “covert action group” known as The Brigade, consisting of filmmakers, influential agents, marketing experts, and opinion leaders whose main objective is “ensuring the welfare of Jewish people and the Jewish state,” advocating for the immediate release of Israeli hostages.

Even though both the Brigade and Artists4Ceasefire appear to be supporters of peace during the 16-month long conflict, the Brigade criticized Artists4Ceasefire sharply in a strongly worded statement on Monday. This criticism came after Artists4Ceasefire had asked celebrities to wear their pins at the Independent Spirit Awards, which was sent via email. Incidentally, this occurred on the same day Hamas returned the bodies of Israeli hostages, including four-year-old Ariel Bibas and his nine-month-old brother Kfir, who were the youngest among the hostages.

In a part of their statement, The Brigade said, “We chose to show patience when you attached a badge representing Jewish atrocities to your honors. We chose the path of restraint when you demanded a truce that Hamas had previously disregarded on October 7th. However, today we will not remain quiet. … That pin does not stand for peace. It is the insignia of Jewish bloodshed.

In previous awards seasons, the celebrity community has been seen wearing protest badges as a show of support for various causes, most notably in 2018 when figures like Guillermo del Toro, Jane Fonda, and Elisabeth Moss wore Time’s Up pins to advocate for gender equality and an end to sexual violence at the Oscars. However, due to the longstanding challenges of Israeli-Palestinian reconciliation and the contentious nature of campus protests in recent years, Hollywood (and much of America) is not unanimous on the best way to promote peace in Gaza. Furthermore, those employed within the 30-mile entertainment zone are divided over the objectives of the Brigade and Artists4Ceasefire.

In a message to me, an experienced awards industry insider commented that the situation has become extremely intense after Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter published the Brigade letter. They questioned whether the country already isn’t pro-Zionist enough. Another Oscars campaign strategist expressed skepticism about Artists4Ceasefire’s pins making a significant impact, even if they could get many famous people to wear them during the Oscars: “I don’t think this will gain much traction.” Meanwhile, a longtime studio executive noted the challenge in advocating for peace through such a small accessory: “It’s quite difficult to convey a message that substantial on just a pin.

Members of Artists4Ceasefire, including Oscar-nominated actor Jeremy Strong and presenter Selena Gomez, did not respond when Vulture tried to contact them or their representatives about whether they would wear A4C pins at the Awards this Sunday. Similarly, efforts to get in touch with Artists4Ceasefire were unsuccessful.

On October 20, 2023, the organization known as Artists4Ceasefire was established, following the devastating events of October 7 which escalated into a humanitarian crisis. This collective, made up of 55 influential figures initially, penned an open appeal to the Biden administration, requesting an end to air strikes in Gaza and the safe return of captives. Since then, Artists4Ceasefire has expanded to include approximately 550 members, with celebrities like Cate Blanchett, America Ferrera, Joaquin Phoenix, and Bradley Cooper among them. In response to the tentative truce recently negotiated between Israel and Hamas, Artists4Ceasefire remains active in advocating for the release of hostages and humanitarian aid for Gaza’s civilians.

The Brigade is a less celebrity-oriented but equally connected group within Hollywood, comprising over 700 television and film professionals as well as pro-Israel religious influencers. They use their influence in storytelling and the entertainment industry to amplify their power. This organization has provided support to the Nova Exhibition, a commemoration of the violent incident at Israel’s Nova Music Festival, and an upcoming 2023 screening of the contentious documentary titled “Bearing Witness to the October 7th Massacre“.

Anonymous sources from The Brigade express their confusion over Artists4Ceasefire’s persistent calls for a ceasefire, following the Israel and Hamas armistice agreement on January 15. The members of The Brigade anticipate another high-profile celebrity campaign by A4C in the days leading up to the Oscars, which they aim to prevent with a statement. In their words to Vulture, “We don’t want to ignite anything at the Oscars; we prefer to wrap things up before the Oscars even begin. The situation is so intricate and layered that it’s best left unaddressed.

However, a prominent talent manager views the matter and the Brigade’s correspondence distinctly. “It’s harassment,” he asserts. “Individuals should be free to wear whatever badge they choose. The public’s focus on Hollywood isn’t on what its residents are expressing, after all. Witness the recent election!

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2025-02-28 19:54