LOS ANGELES — At the 97th Academy Awards, America’s most glamorous night in showbiz, a palpable silence fell over the event regarding its most controversial figure: President Donald Trump. Despite the lack of direct mention of his name, Hollywood’s A-listers made their feelings known, subtly pushing back against Trump’s policies on immigrants, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
This year’s Oscars saw the emergence of powerful narratives centering on immigrants and marginalized communities—stories that stand in stark contrast to the Trump administration’s aggressive stance on these issues. The Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the body behind the Oscars, signaled a strong message: woke Hollywood remains vibrant, advocating for diversity and inclusion in an era of increasing division.
Since his inauguration on January 20, Trump has enacted a series of executive orders that threaten DEI initiatives across both government and private sectors, effectively undermining equal opportunity. His administration has barred transgender individuals from military service, limited healthcare for transgender youth, and eliminated the X marker on U.S. passports for non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals.
In this charged atmosphere, the Netflix musical “Emilia Perez,” which tells the story of a Mexican drug lord who transitions to seek justice for victims of drug-related violence, took home a prestigious award. Zoe Saldana, who won Best Supporting Actress for her role, delivered a heartfelt speech emphasizing the contributions of immigrants to the fabric of American society.
“My grandmother came to America in 1961, and I am a proud child of immigrant parents, with dreams and dignity and hard-working hands,” Saldana stated, her voice resonating through the auditorium. Her words served as a poignant rebuttal to Trump’s call for “the largest deportation operation in American history” and his recent executive order designating English as the official language of the United States.
Another highlight of the evening was Adrien Brody’s win for Best Actor for his portrayal of a Hungarian Holocaust survivor in “The Brutalist.” Drawing from his own family’s immigrant history, Brody’s acceptance speech reflected a longing for a more inclusive America. “If the past can teach us anything, it’s a reminder not to let hate go unchecked,” he urged, encapsulating a sentiment shared by many in the audience.
The night was capped off by the raunchy comedy “Anora,” which follows the exploits of a sex worker and the son of a Russian oligarch, winning Best Picture. Director Sean Baker, known for his empathetic portrayals of marginalized groups, acknowledged the sex workers who contributed to the film’s authenticity, declaring, “I share this with you.”
Show host Conan O’Brien provided a lighter yet pointed commentary amidst the festivities, quipping, “I guess Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian,” a thinly veiled jab at Trump’s contentious relationship with President Vladimir Putin and his recent comments about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In a night filled with silent yet powerful protests, the Academy Awards underscored a collective yearning for a more inclusive and compassionate America, one that embraces diversity rather than shuns it. As Hollywood continues to navigate the complexities of the current political landscape, it is clear that the stories of the marginalized will remain at the forefront, challenging the status quo and advocating for a brighter future.
