What Are the Blue Ribbons at the Oscars?

One of the biggest fashion statements we saw on the beige, er, we mean “champagne” carpet at the 2023 Oscars? Blue ribbons. Cate Blanchett, Bill Nighy, and the All Quiet on the Western Front team were all spotted sporting blue ribbons on their lapels at the 95th Academy Awards. But what are these blue ribbons doing at the Oscars? Why are some stars donning these extra little accessories? And is it a new trend for 2023?

The blue ribbons at the Oscars are being worn to show support with the global refugee crisis. Blanchett previously wore one at this year’s BAFTAs and Chris Gardner reports that hers are made by displaced artists at the Knotty Tie Co.

Cate Blanchett will wear blue ribbon made by refugees. The #WithRefugees ribbon is "an emblem of compassion and solidarity for those who have been forced to flee their homes because of war, conflict and persecution." The ribbons are made by refugees at Knotty Tie Co. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/bjeikaYx4w

— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) March 12, 2023

Interestingly, the blue ribbons aren’t new to the 2023 awards season. Ruth Negga sported on on the 2017 Oscars red carpet. 2021 Best Supporting Actress winner Youn Yuh-jung wore one last year. And Jamie Lee Curtis, who won an Oscar earlier in the night for her work in Everything Everywhere All At Once, also sported one on last year’s Oscars red carpet. (No word on why she chose not to wear a blue ribbon this year.)

Jamie Lee Curtis explained the meaning behind the blue ribbon she wore on the #Oscars red carpet – "it's a way of standing with solidarity with the displaced people of the world right now" pic.twitter.com/PQweMW3dst

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 27, 2022

Mashable reports that the #WithRefugees blue ribbons are the brainchild of the UN Refugee Agency, which exists to work with various organizations, schools, NGOs, and businesses to draw attention and provide aid to those displaced by conflict.

“The wearing of the blue #WithRefugees ribbon on the red carpet sends a powerful visual message that everyone has the right to seek safety – whoever, wherever, whenever they are,” the UNHCR said in a press release. 

Essentially, it’s a subtle way for Hollywood’s biggest stars to throw support to people who need it the most.