The 98th Academy Awards evolved into a politically charged event dubbed a 'Gaza-Iranian night,' where Hollywood stars from diverse backgrounds united to express their strong opposition against the ongoing wars in Gaza and Iran. Beyond just global issues, American artists specifically highlighted domestic issues regarding the practices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), intertwining international humanitarian concerns with local human rights issues.

The protests manifested in various symbolic and expressive forms, ranging from bold verbal statements to the wearing of symbols and pins with deep political significance. This pervasive political ambiance transformed the renowned cinematic gala at the Dolby Theatre from a celebration of artistic achievement into a global stage for protest, denouncing the logic of violence and promoting values of justice and peace on the red carpet.

As significant messages from artists resonated throughout the event, the Oscars served not just as an award ceremony but as a powerful platform for advocacy against war and injustice, elevating the importance of activism in the entertainment industry. The artistic community demonstrated its ability to leverage high-profile events to highlight critical global and local issues, reinforcing the power of celebrity voices in political discourse and humanitarian advocacy.