Gal Gadot to Take the Stage as Presenter at the 97th Oscars

Gal Gadot, Israel’s beloved Hollywood icon, will take the stage as a presenter at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday night in Los Angeles. The announcement, made by The Hollywood Reporter, places Gadot among a star-studded lineup that includes Harrison Ford, Samuel L. Jackson, Halle Berry, and Scarlett Johansson, to name just a few.

The event, hosted by Conan O’Brien who has shared his admiration for Israel since his visit in 2017 promises a spectacular evening. Kicking off the ceremony will be a performance by Oscar nominees Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, showcasing their talents from the film Wicked.

Gadot’s appearance follows her role as a presenter at January’s Golden Globes, where controversy briefly surrounded her choice not to wear a yellow-ribbon pin symbolizing the plight of hostages held by Hamas. Although Gadot opted for yellow jewelry instead, rumors swirled about whether organizers had restricted her choice. Whatever Gadot chooses to wear on Oscar night, her presence reinforces that Israeli talent remains a celebrated part of Hollywood.

Also presenting at the Oscars will be Rachel Zegler, Gadot’s co-star in the upcoming Snow White. While Zegler’s social media has featured pro-Palestinian statements, the two actresses have maintained a professional and cordial relationship at public events, despite speculation to the contrary.

The Oscars ceremony is also expected to highlight political and social messages, with some celebrities likely donning Artist4Ceasefire pins, a controversial symbol criticized by The Brigade, a pro-Israel group formed after October 7. The group condemned the pin as a symbol of violence, referencing its inspiration from a notorious image of blood-stained hands during the 2000 lynching of two Israeli soldiers.

Israeli viewers can catch the live broadcast on Yes Movies Drama, with red-carpet coverage starting at 2 a.m. on March 3, followed by an edited version on March 4 at 9:30 p.m.

Amid the glitz and glamour, Gadot’s participation at the Oscars is a proud reminder of Israel’s contributions to the global entertainment industry. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates to celebrate Israel’s enduring influence and stay connected with the latest in culture and entertainment.