Actress Daryl Hannah stole the show Sunday evening at the Oscars with the first outright political moment of the night. Before introducing the Best Editing award to “Anora” writer/director Sean Baker, the “Kill Bill” actress merely said, “Slava Ukraine.”
The words, Slava Ukraine, which mean “Glory to Ukraine,” are a rallying cry of the Ukrainian military, who have been engaged in combat with Russia since the 2022 invasion. The words have also become popularly used on social media as a way to express support for Ukraine, particularly after the tense encounter between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Slava Ukraini” – Daryl Hannah shows support for Ukraine at the 2025 #Oscars pic.twitter.com/p811M79d2Z
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 3, 2025
Ukraine War Debate Rages in the US
In last week’s Oval Office meeting, Vice President JD Vance rebuked Zelensky for failing to expressly thank the U.S. for its military and economic support, calling his strategy “disrespectful.” The meeting was in response to Trump’s inflammatory comment calling Zelensky a “dictator,” something he afterwards told reporters he couldn’t recall saying.
Trump’s administration, with new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on board, has come under fire for not explicitly admitting that it was Russia that started the war. In an interview with Fox News, Hegseth evaded a query regarding the war’s cause, saying, “It’s fair to say it’s a very complicated situation.” He continued, “Standing here and saying, ‘You’re good, you’re bad; you’re a dictator, you’re not a dictator; you invaded, you didn’t.’ It’s not useful. It’s not productive.
Political Undertones in Oscar Speeches
While Hannah’s remark was the most explicit political statement of the night, other speeches carried subtle messages on global issues. Gints Zilbalodis, who won Best Animated Feature Film for “Flow,” spoke about unity, stating, “We have to get along, we’re all in the same boat.” His film centers on animals working together to survive a catastrophic flood.
Further, Best Supporting Actress recipient Zoe Saldaña praised her immigrant parents and was grateful to be able to speak Spanish in her movie “Emilia Pérez.”
As controversy continued to surround American involvement in Ukraine and political tensions remained high, Hannah’s message made sure world issues received attention in Hollywood’s limelight.
