Here's Why Hollywood Stars Wore Subtle Blue Ribbons at the Oscars
Small and subtle, the blue ribbons worn by many celebrities at the Oscars nonetheless had an important message: support refugees.
According to a statement from the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, donning the #WithRefugees ribbons Sunday “sends a powerful visual message that everyone has the right to seek safety, whoever, wherever, whenever they are.”
Best thing about the #Oscars tonight? The stars rocking our blue ribbons on the red carpet 💙
RT if you stand #WithRefugees too, no matter who they are, or where they come from. pic.twitter.com/mA6qTuCTyL
— UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) March 12, 2023
The ribbons were made by Knotty Tie Co., which the agency says provides employment, training and education to refugees resettled in the Denver area.
“In many of the films nominated at festivals and awards ceremonies this season, the human themes of conflict, separation and loss are present,” the agency said in the statement, citing movies such as “Avatar: The Way of Water” and “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.”
“Through effective storytelling, these films help erode discrimination and misunderstandings, offer new perspectives and help to build compassion for people forced to flee,” the statement continued.
The number of displaced people globally now tops 103 million, a figure augmented by significant factors such as the war in Ukraine.
Best supporting actor Ke Huy Quan, born in Vietnam, referenced his own story of being a refugee during his acceptance speech.
“My journey started on a boat. I spent a year in a refugee camp,” Quan said. “Somehow, I ended up here on Hollywood’s biggest stage.
“They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe it’s happening to me. This — this — is the American dream.”
Quan, who as a child played Short Round in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” won the Oscar for his role in “Everything Everywhere All At Once.”
Congratulations on your #AcademyAward win Ke Huy Quan!
With more than 100 million forcibly displaced people around the world, you’re a shining example of what refugees and forcibly displaced people can accomplish when given the opportunity.#Oscars pic.twitter.com/lDTg99g5ts
— UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) March 13, 2023
Like other U.N. agencies, UNHCR has a long history of celebrity engagement. Actress Angelina Jolie was the refugee agency’s lone special envoy until they parted ways last year.
Best actress nominee Cate Blanchett is a goodwill ambassador for UNHCR.
On Friday, however, U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric put in a plug for a goodwill ambassador from a different agency — the U.N. Development Programme. When asked whether he had a favorite for best picture, he demurred.
“No, but I do hope that the UNDP’s own goodwill ambassador Michelle Yeoh wins best actress, and we wish her all the best,” he said of the eventual winner.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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