Moore at Oscars: "Shame on you, Mr. Bush"
Some actors carried heavier political messages.
"The necessity for peace in the world is not a dream but a reality. If [painter] Frida [Kahlo] were here, she would be on our side, against the war," said Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal, as he introduced Lila Downs and Caetano Veloso, for their performance of "Burn it Blue" from the movie Frida.
Nicole Kidman, winner of the Best Actress Oscar for her role in The Hours, spoke more to the point. "Since 9/11, there's been a lot of pain, in terms of families losing people, and now with the war, families losing people. And God bless them," she said.
A visibly furious Barbara Streisand presented the award for Best Song with curt comment: "I'm very proud to live in a country that guarantees its citizens, including its artists, the right to sing and say whatever they believe," she said.
As it was rumoured that the Academy would ban any attendees who mentioned politics on stage, other award recipients sent general messages of peace.
"I want to dedicate this award to all the people that are raising their voices in favour of peace, respect of human rights, democracy and international legality, all of which are essential qualities to live," said Pedro Almodóvar, who won Best Original Screen Play for Talk to Her.
