Israel will have patriotic representation at the Oscars this year, but from the presenter's podium: It was reported Wednesday that Gal Gadot has joined the prestigious lineup of award presenters at Hollywood's most glamorous cinematic event of the year, scheduled for March 2, marking the ceremony's 97th iteration.
While the specific award Gadot will present remains undisclosed, her inclusion represents a significant honor. Among other newly announced presenters are Hollywood heavyweights Harrison Ford, Samuel Jackson, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Andrew Garfield, Margaret Qualley, and notably Rachel Zegler, who stars alongside Gadot in Disney's upcoming live-action adaptation of "Snow White" premiering next month (the pairing of these two actresses at the ceremony hardly seems coincidental). These stars will join previously announced presenters including Ben Stiller, Selena Gomez, Oprah Winfrey, Willem Dafoe, and Ana de Armas, with Conan O'Brien hosting the evening and Nick Offerman serving as the ceremony's announcer.
The announcement of Gadot's participation comes shortly after The Brigade – a pro-Israel organization active in Hollywood – declared they would not remain passive if ceremony attendees wear the red hand pin associated with the controversial pro-Palestinian initiative Artists4ceasefire, which critics have linked to imagery reminiscent of the blood-stained hands of those who perpetrated the Ramallah lynching in 2000.
Questions have emerged about whether Gadot will wear the yellow hostage pin after her decision not to wear it while presenting at the Golden Globe Awards last month sparked criticism. Initial reports claimed the Israeli actress was prohibited from wearing symbols that might be interpreted as politically charged, but Gadot refuted this on her Instagram account, stating: "I was never forbidden from wearing the pin. Some chose to tell a fabricated story. I prefer to focus on what truly matters – our hostages. My heart is with the families waiting for them."
The announcement generated significant reaction across social media platforms. One user on Threads wrote: "Dream scenario: Gal Gadot will present the Best Documentary award to a film about the Israeli occupation of Palestine," referring to "No Other Land," a documentary produced by a Palestinian-Israeli collective with Norwegian backing that's considered a frontrunner for the award. A Reddit user commented: "I know Guy Pearce (nominated for his role in 'The Brutalist,' portraying a despicable and racist character), who was among celebrities vocal in supporting a ceasefire, has no chance of winning, but imagine how uncomfortable Gal would be if she had to present him with the award."
The 97th Academy Awards will be broadcast exclusively on yes and STING+. Viewers can watch the ceremony live or in an edited, translated version. The live broadcast begins overnight between Sunday and Monday, March 2-3, at 2:00 a.m. on yes Movies Drama, including comprehensive "red carpet" coverage.
The complete ceremony will be available on Monday, March 3, on yes and STING+, with the edited and translated version airing on March 4 at 9:00 p.m. on yes Movies Drama.
