For 30 seconds, the Oscars went silent for Ukraine.
A tribute that started with words from the Ukrainian-born Mila Kunis ended with the Academy Awards fading to black about midway through Sunday’s show from Los Angeles, with a plea for anyone watching to do whatever possible to send help to those in the war-torn nation.
“Recent global events have left many of us feeling gutted,” Kunis said as she took the stage, part of her remarks to introduce Reba McIntyre’s performance of the Oscar-nominated song Somehow You Do from Four Good Days.
“Yet when you witness the strength and dignity of those facing such devastation, it’s impossible to not be moved by their resilience,” Kunis continued. “One cannot help but be in awe of those who find strength to keep fighting through unimaginable darkness.”
That’s when McIntyre took the stage, dressed in a black gown, for her performance.
The balance between celebrating art while Russia's invasion of Ukraine rages on has been a delicate one for the Oscars.
Sean Penn has openly campaigned for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — a former actor — to speak at the ceremony. Some arrived for the Oscars wearing blue-and-gold ribbons, an obvious show of support since those are the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
When McIntyre’s song ended, a large video screen hovering over the stage displayed a tribute and a plea as the 30-second moment of silence began.
“We’d like to have a moment of silence to show our support for the people of Ukraine currently facing invasion, conflict and prejudice within their own borders,” read the screen. “While film is an important avenue for us to express our humanity in times of conflict, the reality is millions of families in Ukraine need food, medical care, clean water and emergency services. Resources are scarce and we — collectively as a global community — can do more.”
It then ended with a display that said: “We ask you to support Ukraine in any way you are able. #StandWithUkraine.”
See stars walk the red carpet at the Oscars 2022:
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Zendaya, wearing a Valentino shirt and sequinned skirt two-piece, attends the 94th Annual Academy Awards. AFP -
Mila Kunis, wearing a blush-pink Zuhair Murad gown. AP -
Jessica Chastain, wearing purple and gold sequinned Gucci. Getty Images -
Jada Pinkett Smith, wearing green Jean Paul Gaultier. AFP -
Jamie Dornan and Amelia Warner, wearing gold Giambattista Valli. AP -
Serena Williams, wearing dusty rose Gucci, with black floral detail and gloves. AFP -
Alana Haim, wearing a scalloped sequinned Louis Vuitton gown. EPA -
Lily James, wearing a pink lace Atelier Versace gown. AP -
Jennifer Garner, wearing red Brandon Maxwell. AFP -
Lupita Nyong'o, wearing gold floral Prada. Getty Images -
Olivia Colman, wearing a draped metallic gown. AFP -
Zoe Kravitz, wearing a blush Saint Laurent strapless gown. EPA -
Kristen Stewart, wearing Chanel. EPA -
Regina Hall, wearing a dusty-brown gown. AFP -
Penelope Cruz, wearing a black Chanel gown. AFP -
Venus Williams, in white Elie Saab. AFP -
Uma Thurman, wearing a Bottega Veneta shirt and skirt. EPA -
Tiffany Haddish, wearing green Dolce & Gabbana. AFP -
Ava DuVernay, wearing studded Louis Vuitton. AFP -
Molly Sims, wearing red Elie Saab. EPA -
Rachel Zegler, wearing black Dior. -
Billie Eilish, wearing black Gucci. Getty Images -
Megan Thee Stallion, wearing a blue Gaurav Gupta gown. EPA -
Cynthia Erivo, wearing black Louis Vuitton. AFP -
Julianne Hough, wearing a honey yellow gown. EPA -
Nicole Kidman, wearing steel blue Armani Prive. EPA -
Maggie Gyllenhaal, wearing black and gold Schiaparelli. AFP -
Ariana DeBose, wearing a caped red Valentino two-piece. AP -
Emilia Jones, wearing ombre sequinned Louis Vuitton. AFP -
Kirsten Dunst, wearing red Christian Lacroix. AFP -
Marlee Matlin, wearing a red silk gown. AFP -
Becky G, wearing golden Etro. Reuters -
Amy Schumer, wearing navy Oscar de la Renta. AP -
HER, wearing neon yellow Carolina Herrera. AFP -
Maya Rudolph, wearing a feathered orange dress. AFP -
Aunjanue Ellis, wearing a rich orange Atelier Versace gown. AFP -
Caitriona Balfe, wearing off-white Louis Vuitton. Getty Images -
Jessica Serfaty, wearing baby blue Tony Ward. EPA -
Tracee Ellis Ross, wearing a red mermaid gown by Carolina Herrera. EPA -
Este Haim, wearing a blue satin dress. AFP -
Judi Dench, wearing an ivory dress and dress coat. AP -
Queen Latifa, wearing yellow Pamella Roland. AFP -
Saniyya Sidney, wearing Armani Prive. AFP -
Naomi Scott, wearing purple beaded Fendi. Getty Images -
Christine Baumgartner, wearing black and white Tony Ward, and Kevin Costner. AFP -
Carolina Gaitan, wearing dusty pink Tony Ward. AP -
Amy Forsyth, wearing red Marchesa. EPA -
Demi Singleton, wearing purple Miu Miu. AFP -
Renate Reinsve, wearing black and cream textured Louis Vuitton. Reuters -
Vanessa Hudgens, wearing black sequinned Michael Kors Collection. AFP -
Sofia Carson, wearing black tulle Giambattista Valli. Getty Images -
Raya Abirached, wearing black Zuhair Murad.
