Ivan Baan Studios
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures’ star-studded annual fundraiser this weekend has been halted for now due to this week’s terrorist attacks on Israel.
“Out of respect for the devastating conflict and loss of life overseas, we have decided to postpone this Saturday’s gala at the Academy Museum,” a spokesman for the Jacqueline Stewart-led organization said late Thursday. “We look forward to rescheduling at a later date. We would like to thank everyone for their support.”
As Hollywood responds to the bloodshed in Israel with support and money, tonight’s announcement follows the cancellation of the Academy Museum Gala early Thursday. “The Academy Museum condemns all forms of hatred and cruelty and supports the lives of innocent Israelis and Palestinians affected by the ongoing violence,” organizers wrote to the media this afternoon, preparing for the October 14 event.
More than 1,200 people were murdered and nearly 3,000 injured in a Hamas attack across the Gaza border into southern Israel on October 7. Hundreds of people, from the very old to the very young, were brought back to Gaza as hostages. Shocked by the siege, Israeli forces have launched airstrikes on Gaza in retaliation, and a ground invasion appears imminent.
As supporters of the Gaza-based group threatened a “global day of rage in support of Hamas” tomorrow, SAG-AFTRA canceled pickets in LA and NYC due to “potential security concerns.” For security reasons, law enforcement in the cities increased their presence at synagogues and other locations on Friday.
Since the Academy Museum opened in late 2021, funds raised through the gala have gone toward supporting museum exhibitions, educational initiatives and public programs. This year’s event co-chairs are Ava DuVernay, Dr. Eric Esrailian, Halle Berry and Ryan Murphy. The 2023 gala honorees are Meryl Streep, Michael B. Jordan, Oprah Winfrey and Sofia Coppola.