The blue ribbons worn by various celebrities at the Oscars carried the message of supporting refugees. According to a statement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), wearing these tapes on Sunday sent “a powerful visual message that everyone has the right to seek safety, whoever, wherever, whenever.”
The tapes were made by the Knotty Tie Co., which provides employment, training and education to resettled refugees in the Denver, Colorado area. “In many of the films nominated at festivals and award ceremonies this season, the human themes of conflict, separation and loss are present,” the agency said in a statement, citing films such as Avatar: The Way of Water and the lively Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.
“Through effective storytelling, these films help eliminate discrimination and misunderstanding, offer new perspectives, and help generate compassion for those forced to flee,” the statement said.
The number of displaced people around the world now exceeds 103 million, a figure increased by factors including Russia’s war in Ukraine, other conflicts around the world and climate change.
Best Supporting Actor Ke Huy Quan, born in Vietnam, referenced his refugee story during his acceptance speech. “My journey began on a ship. I spent a year in a refugee camp,” he said. “Somehow, I ended up here on the biggest stage in Hollywood. They say that stories like this only happen in the movies.
UNHCR has a long history of celebrity involvement. One of the most famous, Angelina Jolie, was the only special envoy for the refugee agency until recently. Actress Cate Blanchett, who was among the finalists, is a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.
Last week UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric announced a goodwill ambassador from a different agency: the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). When asked if he had a favorite for best picture, he demurred. “No, but I hope that UNDP Goodwill Ambassador herself, Michelle Yeoh, wins the Best Actress award, and we wish her all the best.”
Associated Press/OnCuba
