Red carpet activism can be risky, sometimes generating controversy or getting stars in hot water. But that hasn’t stopped many from using the buzz around an event to bring attention to a particular cause or issue, often by wearing a pin or button to show their allegiance. It’s likely one way that politically-aware celebrities—often contractually obligated to attend red carpet events—can reconcile the fact that they’re part of, let’s face it, an ego-fest for the 1% while, say, a humanitarian crisis unfolds.
Right now, one of the most consistently outspoken stars is Mark Ruffalo. For decades, the actor has worn pins and ribbons representing different causes at some of the buzziest red carpets. He’ll often encourage reporters and interviewers to engage him about the cause, too, not shying away from what might be read as controversial.
Still, it doesn’t always work to the star’s reputational advantage. To some, it looks like the least they can do, performative nothingness—as SNL pointed out in the “teeny tiny statement pin” sketch. Sometimes the fact that a celebrity is on a red carpet while acknowledging a political movement can create a picture that just looks out-of-touch, no matter how well intentioned.
Once inside an event, some stars take their activism farther. Marlon Brando memorably used his Oscar win (which he refused) in 1973 to platform Sacheen Littlefeather, who delivered a speech about the depiction of Native Americans in Hollywood movies. Vanessa Redgrave spoke out against “the Zionist hoodlums” of the JDL at the 1978 Oscars, and there are dozens more examples of politically-aware acceptance speeches, like the recent remarks by Chappell Roan at the VMAs, and Hannah Einbinder at the Emmys. They don’t even have to win to make a statement. See: Amy Madigan and Ed Harris refusing to clap for Elia Kazan, Brie Larson declining to clap for Casey Affleck, or Kesha performing at the Grammys surrounded by female musicians in all-white to show support for her assault allegations against producer Dr. Luke.
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