Diane Warren, Mikey Madison & more face backlash for disrespecting ‘No Other Land’ win, Guy Pearce praised for supporting Palestine
Photo: Reuters
The West Bank-based documentary No Other Land won the Best Documentary Feature Oscar at the 97th Academy Awards, beating Porcelain War, Sugarcane, and Black Box Diaries.
The film, created by a Palestinian-Israeli collective, highlights the forced displacement of Palestinians from Masafer Yatta, a region in the occupied West Bank targeted by Israeli military actions.
After Selena Gomez and Samuel L. Jackson announced the winner, the team of No Other Land made their way to the stage amid mixed reactions from the Oscars attendees. Social media users were quick to notice which celebrities cheered enthusiastically, criticising and vowing to boycott those who didn't.
Among the list , Diane Warren, Mikey Madison, and Ben Stiller most noticeably came under fire for their apparent lack of respect towards No Other Land's win.
Diane Warren, the 16-time Oscar-nominated songwriter, did not clap and remained seated as the team walked past her. Meanwhile, Mikey Madison, who won Best Actress for Anora, also gave a stoic expression and stood and clapped belatedly, drawing backlash online. Ben Stiller, known for his comedic roles and directing, offered only a brief clap, which many viewed as dismissive.
Social media erupted with criticism, with users calling out the trio for their disrespect.
On the other hand, Hollywood star Guy Pearce made a bold political statement at the 97th Academy Awards, showing public support for Palestine. The actor, nominated for his role in The Brutalist, wore a "Free Palestine" pin on his lapel, featuring a white dove holding an olive branch—a recognised symbol of peace.
Photo: AFP
Pearce, who has previously spoken out against Israel’s actions in Gaza, did not shy away from political activism. He shook hands with the directors of No Other Land as they went on stage to accept their Best Documentary Oscar, earning praise for his solidarity.