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A few celebrities also made brief comments, but
the Oscars telecast distinctly did not turn into a megaphone for
messages about Ukraine. Instead, the show's directors opted for
a silent message that did not mention Russia, which invaded
Ukraine 31 days ago.
"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," read the message posted on
screen just before a commercial break.
The message said millions of families needed food, medical care,
clean water and emergency services and asked viewers for
humanitarian aid.
"We ask you to support Ukraine in any way you are able," read
the silent message, adding the hashtag #StandWithUkraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin calls the war a "special
military operation" that Moscow says is aimed at demilitarizing
and "denazifying" its neighbor. Ukraine and its Western allies
call this a pretext for an unprovoked invasion.
Before the show, there were suggestions that Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelenskiy might make an appearance through video link,
as he has done in parliaments around the world while urging the
West to give Ukraine tanks, planes and missiles to help fend off
Russian forces and to impose a no-fly zone.
But he did not appear.
There were a few references to Ukraine but none to Russia.
"Viva Ukraine!" said director Francis Ford Coppola during a
segment honoring the 50th anniversary of "The Godfather."
Co-host Amy Schumer also threw in a reference, saying, "And
there's a genocide going on in Ukraine and women are losing all
of their rights."
Just before the Oscar plea for aid, Ukrainian-born actress Mila
Kunis made a veiled reference to the trouble in her native land.
"Recent global events have left many of us feeling gutted. Yet
when you witness the strength and dignity of those facing such
devastation, it's impossible to not be moved by their
resilience," Kunis said, setting up a nominee for best song.
Kunis, 38, was born in the Ukrainian city of Chernivtsi and
immigrated to the United States at age 7. She has been active in
raising money for Ukraine.
On March 20, Zelenskiy praised Kunis and her husband, actor
Ashton Kutcher, on Twitter, saying they were "among the first to
respond to our grief" and had raised $35 million for Ukrainian
causes.
In another understated moment, actor Jason Momoa wore a
handkerchief in blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian
flag.
One indirect reference to Russia came when filmmaker Ben
Proudfoot received the Oscar for best short subject documentary,
calling for the release of Women's National Basketball
Association player Brittney Griner, who has been detained in a
Russian prison.
"President Biden, bring Brittney Griner home," Proudfoot said.
It was not clear exactly when Griner was detained, but it was
announced after Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, which
dramatically worsened relations between Washington and Moscow.
(Reporting by Daniel Trotta; Editing by Howard Goller)
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