Instead of a presenter, the telecast went to a screen with a written message which read;
2022 Oscars hold a moment of silence to show support for Ukraine
The Oscar telecast included a moment of silence to show support for Ukraine and a call for donations.
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“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,”. “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.”
Celebrated actress Mila Kunis, who was born in Ukraine, also made an additional introductory statement “In such devastation, it’s impossible not to be moved by their resilience. One cannot help but be in awe of those find strength to keep fighting through unimaginable darkness.”
There had been speculation that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would address the ceremony or appear in some fashion. Though the Ukrainian leader and former TV star did not end up appearing on tonight’s telecast, talks were going on between LA and Kyiv for weeks, according to sources. Recognizing the power of the Oscars’ platform and audience, Zelensky and his inner circle were very open to the idea of a remote appearance as the Russian invasion stretches into its second month.
At the same time, while producers and the Academy recognized the importance of the moment in contemporary history, they had reservations about the ceremony shifting too far from the cinematic to the geopolitical in a year when the movies and the Oscars are trying to get back on track after two years of the pandemic.
In the end, the decision was made to keep the focus on Hollywood. But the brief highlight on the ongoing crisis in Ukraine is unmissable.
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