Secret Symbol Revealed: Why Billie Eilish, Mark Ruffalo, and Ava DuVernay Wore Red Pins to the Oscars Will Shock You

If you tuned into the 2024 Academy Awards and caught a glimpse of the star-studded red carpet, you probably noticed a striking accessory adorning many celebrities’ outfits: a red pin featuring a hand encircling a black heart. This subtle yet powerful symbol represents solidarity with the Artists4CeaseFire initiative, spearheaded by a coalition of actors, filmmakers, and musicians.

The aim of Artists4CeaseFire is to draw attention to the ongoing conflict between Gaza and Israel. In a poignant letter sent to President Joe Biden last October, the group implored for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in the region, emphasizing the urgency to prevent further loss of life.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ramy Youssef, known for his role in “Poor Things,” shed light on the significance of the red pin. “We have many artists here tonight proudly wearing it,” he remarked. “It’s a unified call for both an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, prioritizing the safety of all those affected.”

Over 400 prominent figures from the entertainment industry lent their support to the Artists4Ceasefire cause, among them 2024 Oscar nominees like Billie Eilish and Mark Ruffalo, along with America Ferrera, Ava DuVernay, Richard Gere, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez, and Jon Stewart.

Mark Ruffalo, in a heartfelt Instagram post from early October, expressed his reasons for backing the movement. “The heartbreaking events unfolding in Israel and Gaza have left me profoundly saddened,” he wrote. “The cycle of violence must come to an end… We must recognize the shared humanity that binds us and strive for healing amidst unimaginable divisions.”

The solidarity extended beyond the Oscars, as musicians donned the Artists4Ceasefire pins at the Grammy Awards in February. Phoebe Bridgers, who clinched four Grammys that night, prominently wore the red pin on her white suit, signaling her support for the cause.

While some may question the intertwining of politics and entertainment, this isn’t the first time celebrities have leveraged their platform to shed light on pressing social and political issues. In 2023, blue ribbons adorned outfits at the Academy Awards in solidarity with refugees, and in 2018, Frances McDormand used her Oscars acceptance speech to advocate for women’s equity in Hollywood amidst the #MeToo movement’s peak.