Political statements took center stage on the 2026 Oscars red carpet as several actors used jewellery and lapel pins to express views on global conflicts and social issues.
Spanish actor Javier Bardem drew particular attention by wearing the same «No a la Guerra» («No to War») badge he first displayed at the 2003 Goya Awards in protest of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Bardem appeared at the Oscars wearing the pin alongside another badge depicting Handala, the Palestinian cartoon character symbolizing resistance.
While presenting the award for Best International Feature with Priyanka Chopra, Bardem told the audience:
«No to war, and free Palestine.»
Other celebrities also used the red carpet to highlight political causes. Actors including Charithra Chandran and Saja Kilani wore Artists4Ceasefire pins featuring a hand and heart symbol advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza. Similar pins were previously worn by stars such as Billie Eilish, Ramy Youssef and Mark Ruffalo at earlier awards ceremonies.
Political messaging has increasingly appeared at major entertainment events. At the Golden Globes and Grammy Awards earlier this year, several celebrities wore «ICE OUT» and «BE GOOD» pins protesting U.S. immigration enforcement raids.
The trend reflects a growing willingness among public figures to use high-profile cultural platforms such as awards ceremonies to draw attention to global political and humanitarian issues.
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