Ukraine’s Zelensky reportedly denied a cameo appearance at Oscars
- Ukrainian president has appeared at several high-profile awards shows
- The 95th Academy Awards in Los Angeles will air on Sunday at 8pm ET
This year’s awards season has come to an abrupt end for Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The comedian-turned-politician was reportedly eyeing a virtual guest spot at this Sunday’s 95th Oscars but was turned down, Variety reported Thursday. WME agent Mike Simpson allegedly “made a plea to the Academy” to spotlight Zelensky but was rejected.
Representatives for the academy, WME and ABC did not immediately respond to a request for comment when separately contacted by the Los Angeles Times on Thursday.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine more than a year ago, Zelensky has appeared at several high-profile awards shows and events to bring attention to the ongoing war.
In April 2022, Zelensky appeared virtually at the 64th Grammy Awards.
“The war. What’s more opposite to music?” he said in a pre-recorded message. “The silence of ruined cities and killed people. Our children draw swooping rockets, not shooting stars. Over 400 children have been injured and 153 children died, and we will never see them drawing.
“Our parents are happy to wake up in the morning – in bomb shelters, but alive. Our loved ones don’t know if we will be together again. The war doesn’t let us choose who survives and who stays in eternal silence.”