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 demonstrate their stance. 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 what’s essentially an ego-fest for the 1% while, say, a humanitarian crisis unfolds.
One of the most consistently outspoken stars has been Mark Ruffalo. For decades the actor has worn pins and ribbons representing various 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.
This 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 further. 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 Jewish Defense League at the 1978 Oscars, and there are dozens more examples of politically aware acceptance speeches, including the recent remarks by Chappell Roan at the MTV Video Music Awards 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.
But all of these were a case of right person, right time, right opportunity. If you don’t know that you’ll get that spotlight moment…a pin it is.
It’s hard to measure the impact any of these statements had. Did anyone vote differently because they saw their favorite pop star with a ribbon? Maybe not, but in specific cases, it could move the needle in its own way. There’s a logic to A-listers wearing a red ribbon to honor AIDS awareness (for example): It reduces stigma, which can lead to more testing and safer sex.
Especially effective are statements that are related to the industry sponsoring the event. When Natalie Portman highlighted the lack of female nominees in the directing category at the Oscars, she did so not just to make viewers talk about it, but also to send a message to the decision-makers in the room, the very people who had the power to produce and promote films directed by women.
As we continue the awards season of 2026, when there’s plenty to protest outside the Hollywood bubble, here’s a look back at some of the most memorable moments of red-carpet activism over the years.