On Thursday, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures cancelled the planned red carpet for the annual Academy Museum fundraiser, but it wasn’t long before it was decided to postpone the gala altogether, both decisions related to the terrorist attacks on Israel this past week and potential domestic threats.
At the same time, SAG-AFTRA announced that all picketing relating to the ongoing actors strike in New York and L.A. would be cancelled Friday out of concern for members’ safety after the proclamation that Friday, Oct. 13, would be deemed “a global day of anger in support of the Hamas.” Law enforcement in both cities has been increased, particularly in areas with synagogues and mosques.
🚨#ICYMI: Picket lines will be closed at all locations in NY and LA TODAY, Oct. 13. We'll see you next week!
Use your voice! You can still take action on social media! Show your solidarity by using #SagAftraStrike, #SagAftraStrong, #Power2Performers and #SagAftraMember. ✊🗣️ pic.twitter.com/IOAUyvBmDW
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) October 13, 2023
Originally, the Academy released the statement, “The Academy Museum condemns all forms of hate and cruelty and stands in support of innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives affected by the ongoing violence. Out of respect for the devastating conflict and loss of life happening overseas, the Academy Museum has made the decision to cancel the red carpet at its annual fundraising gala on Saturday, October 14.”
“We thank you for your interest in covering and hope to be able to accommodate you at next year’s event. Thank you for your understanding.”
It quickly changed course and decided it might be best to postpone the entire gala altogether out of “potential safety concerns,” releasing a statement late Thursday night, saying, “Out of respect for the devastating conflict and loss of life happening overseas, we have made the decision to postpone the Academy Museum gala this Saturday. We look forward to rescheduling at a later date. We thank everybody deeply for their support.”
The money raised by the Gala, led by Jacqueline Stewart, has helped to support museum exhibitions since the opening of the Academy Museum in 2021. The event is co-chaired by Ava DuVernay, Dr. Eric Esrailian, Halle Berry, and Ryan Murphy with this year’s gala honorees being Meryl Streep, Michael B. Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, and Sofia Coppola.
The Hamas attacks on Southern Israel on Oct. 7 has shaken up the world with over 1,200 people murdered and 3,000 wounded and hundreds of hostages being taken back to Gaza. The Israeli Defense Force retaliated with airstrikes on Gaza, killing hundreds more (including 13 of the hostages), with warnings being made for an imminent ground invasion on the territory.
