Natasha Lyonne, Natasha Lyonne Golden Globes protest [Image Source: CELEBSLA]
At the Golden Globes held in Los Angeles this Sunday, Natasha Lyonne, alongside other well-known nominees and attendees, staged a prominent protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), shining a spotlight on systemic concerns. The demonstration, centered on the “Natasha Lyonne Golden Globes protest,” saw celebrities wearing pins to honor recent victims and draw attention to immigration issues at a high-profile event.
Stars Use Red Carpet to Call for Change
During the awards ceremony, actors including Lyonne, Mark Ruffalo, Jean Smart, and Wanda Sykes showcased black and white pins emblazoned with “ICE Out” and “Be Good.” These visual statements were in memory of Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis the previous week, and Keith Porter, who lost his life to an off-duty ICE agent on New Year’s Eve. By wearing these pins, the stars transformed the celebrity-filled carpet into a platform for activism and remembrance.
Campaign Backed by Leading Advocacy Groups
The pin campaign received organizational support from ACLU, Maremoto, Move On, National Domestic Workers Alliance, and Working Families Power. According to an official release, these actions were intended to
“while also reminding us what it means to be good to one another in the face of such horror – to be a good citizen, neighbor, friend, ally and human,”
– Campaign press release. The message underlined the importance of community and humanity during difficult times.
The same press release highlighted that
Image of: Natasha Lyonne
“Everyday, everywhere, regular people are being good: keeping kids safe when they walk to school, filming fathers who are being disappeared from their workplaces, donating to fundraisers to support organizations who are keeping us safe,”
– Campaign statement. This emphasized widespread, everyday acts of kindness and solidarity in response to recent tragedies.
Prominent Voices Speak Out on Social Media and On Stage
Actors involved in the protest are recognized for their outspoken advocacy, frequently commenting on ICE and related social issues. Mark Ruffalo, a nominee and attendee, posted about the “ICE Out” campaign on Instagram earlier that day, calling for collective resistance. In his post, Ruffalo stated,
“This week an American citizen was killed by ICE, and as a concerned human, I can’t pretend like this is normal,”
– Mark Ruffalo, Actor. He further urged his followers, writing,
“This is an invitation to everyone who follows me, if you’re concerned – you are not alone – together, we can stop the violence, and #begood, in honor of Renee Macklin Good,”
– Mark Ruffalo, Actor.
Jean Smart Addresses the Issue as Both Citizen and Artist
Jean Smart, who won the award for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Television Series for “Hacks,” addressed the political climate during an interview with Entertainment Tonight, identifying herself as more than just an actress. She spoke directly to the audience, noting her dual roles as a citizen and mother, and expressed hope that her intentions would be understood.
During her acceptance on stage, Smart offered a clear call to action regarding social responsibility.
“There’s just a lot that could be said tonight — I said my rant on the red carpet, so I won’t do it here … But let’s all do the right thing,”
– Jean Smart, Actor. She continued by encouraging her peers,
“I think everybody in their hearts comes with the right things to do, so let’s do the right thing,”
– Jean Smart, Actor.
Impact and Broader Implications of the Protest
By incorporating protest into a high-visibility occasion such as the Golden Globes, Lyonne, Ruffalo, Sykes, Smart, and fellow attendees succeeded in drawing sustained national attention to the recent deaths of Renee Good and Keith Porter. Their actions, amplified by generous support from advocacy groups like ACLU, reinforced the growing connection between the entertainment industry and social justice issues. As the conversation around ICE and immigrant rights continues across American society, the Golden Globes protest is likely to fuel renewed discussion and calls for reform both within Hollywood and beyond.