JEDDAH: For Hollywood’s A-list, Oscars night is the biggest fashion moment of the year. And Tinseltown’s top stars did not disappoint on Sunday, with some making powerful political statements through their sartorial choices.
Several celebrities sported a blue ribbon in support of the American Civil Liberties Union, the rights lobby that has been stridently fighting the Trump administration in court.
Spotted wearing the blue ribbon were “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins, “Hamilton” star and best original song nominee Lin-Manuel Miranda, Negga and Kloss.
However, one celebrity that stood out due to her choice of designer was Ava DuVernay, an American director and screenwriter.
DuVernay made a strong political statement by wearing a gown created by Saudi designer Mohammed Ashi, whose brand Ashi Studio is based in Lebanon. Ashi Studio is a luxurious fashion house launched in Beirut 10 years ago.
“A small sign of solidarity. I chose to wear a gown by a designer from a majority Muslim country. Thanks to @AshiStudio of Lebanon. #Oscars,” DuVernay tweeted alongside a photo of the lacy gray gown on the red carpet.
The director’s pro-Muslim statement not only turned heads, but also won praise from many for its subtle message.
DuVernay’s sartorial choice follows President Donald Trump’s immigration ban on seven predominantly Muslim countries.
DuVernay was nominated at the Oscars for best documentary for her film “13th.”
Earlier on Saturday, best actor Oscar winner Casey Affleck turned up at the Film Independent Spirit Awards wearing a t-shirt with the word “love” written on it in Arabic.
— With input from AFP, Reuters
Ava DuVernay makes anti-Trump statement at the Oscars
Ava DuVernay makes anti-Trump statement at the Oscars
Harry Styles announces first album in 4 years, ‘Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally’
- It follows the critically acclaimed synth pop “Harry’s House,” which earned the former One Direction star album of the year at the 2023 Grammy Awards
- “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” will contain 12 tracks and is executive produced by Kid Harpoon
NEW YORK: In this world, it’s just him: Harry Styles has announced that his long-awaited, fourth studio album will arrive this spring.
Titled “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” and out March 6, the album is Styles’ first full-length project in four years. It follows the 2022, critically acclaimed synth pop record “Harry’s House,” which earned the former One Direction star the top prize of album of the year at the 2023 Grammy Awards.
In a review, The Associated Press celebrated “Harry’s House” for showcasing “a breadth of style that matches the album’s emotional range.”
On Instagram, Styles’ shared the cover artwork for “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” which features the 31-year-old artist in a T-shirt and jeans at night, standing underneath a shimmering disco ball hung outside.
According to a press release, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” will contain 12 tracks and is executive produced by Kid Harpoon. The British songwriter and producer has been a close collaborator of Styles’ since the beginning of his solo career, working on all of his albums since the singer’s 2017 self-titled debut.
“Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” is now available for preorder.
It is also Styles’ first project since his former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne died in 2024 after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.
