Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has held talks with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to make a video appearance during Sunday’s Oscars broadcast, The Post has learned.
Sources said academy officials are still debating whether Zelensky will actually appear briefly on the show. It is also not clear if it will appear live or in a recorded message. Sources said the debate is over whether the Oscars should remain apolitical as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine intensifies.
The academy declined to comment on the Washington Post.
ABC, which is broadcasting the show, is said to be in favor of Zelensky, the former actor, making a statement. ABC did not respond to requests for comment.
Meanwhile, Ukraine-born actress Mila Kunis, who has raised $35 million with her husband Ashton Kutcher, is believed to be, for Ukrainian refugeesYou will make a statement during the awards ceremony.
Zelensky was outspoken about his gratitude for the efforts of Kutcher and Kunis.
on Twitter Sunday, Share the leader’s photo From himself in a Zoom meeting with a Hollywood couple.
“aplusk & Mila Kunis were among the first to respond to our grief. They have already raised $35 million and are sending it to Flexport & Airbnb to help refugees. Grateful for their support. Impressed by their design. They inspire the world. #StandWithUkraine, Books.
In recent days, the academy has been silent on whether it will affect the war.
The show’s executive producer, Will Packer, Reporters during a virtual press conference on Thursday: “That’s right [momentous] time in human history, we are fully aware of it. And so you don’t go to a show like that, I don’t think, and you don’t know about that and you don’t find a way to respectfully acknowledge where we are and how lucky we are even to be able to make this show. ”
“Internet geek. Friendly coffee trailblazer. Infuriatingly humble musicaholic. Twitter fan. Devoted alcohol aficionado. Avid thinker.”