Will nominated films turn the 98th Oscars into a political stage?

LOS ANGELES, CA: Hollywood gathers tonight at the Dolby Theatre for the Academy Awards as the ceremony unfolds against a tense global backdrop.

The United States and Israel are currently engaged in military operations in the Middle East following a conflict that erupted on February 26.

Security around the venue has been tightened following federal alerts tied to regional instability, adding an unusual layer of caution to the industry’s biggest night.

Host Conan O’Brien is expected to keep the program focused on entertainment, but the themes of several nominated films reflect broader social and political issues.

From stories about racial history in the United States to depictions of authoritarian surveillance abroad, many of this year’s nominees engage directly with political and cultural conflicts.

Cinematic themes of resistance and heritage

Among the leading contenders is Ryan Coogler’s 'Sinners', which explores Black American life during the Jim Crow era and highlights cultural identity and the role of Blues music in shaping community life.

Also competing for Best Picture is Paul Thomas Anderson’s 'One Battle After Another', a film centered on extremist politics and social upheaval. The narrative follows clashes between state authority and civil resistance movements.

International nominees also explore politically charged themes. The Brazilian thriller 'The Secret Agent' is set during the country’s 1970s military dictatorship, a period associated with surveillance and political repression.

Iranian director Jafar Panahi’s 'It Was Just An Accident' was filmed secretly in Iran and has drawn attention for the circumstances surrounding its production.

Demonstrations on the red carpet

While the Academy Awards ceremony traditionally focuses on artistic achievement, earlier awards events this season have included visible political messaging from some attendees.

At the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards, several actors, including Mark Ruffalo and Natasha Lyonne, appeared wearing pins reading “ICE Out” and “Be Good.”

The pins are linked to an advocacy campaign supported by the American Civil Liberties Union that highlights concerns about immigration enforcement policies.

Although red carpet interviews occasionally touch on political topics, recent major award broadcasts have largely avoided coordinated political statements during the televised ceremonies themselves.

Governance and heritage under pressure

Political disputes have also emerged around cultural institutions connected to the arts community.

In Washington, DC, the Kennedy Center has faced legal and political debate over governance changes and a proposal to rename the institution the “Trump Kennedy Center.”

The broader political climate has echoed themes present in several of this year’s nominated films. As the ceremony begins, attention will remain on whether acceptance speeches focus solely on filmmaking or also address issues beyond the film industry.