Spirit Awards Disrupted by Small But Loud Israel-Hamas War Protest Outside Tent

People protesting the Israel–Hamas war outside the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards could be heard inside throughout the ceremony Sunday afternoon.

A handful of protesters were seen chanting, “Free Palestine” and “cease fire now,” through a megaphone as awards continued to be presented inside the tent located on the beach in Santa Monica. They were also heard during the red carpet earlier in the day.

Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that the chants were “very audible” inside the tent where the ceremony was taking place. At one point, while actor and comedian Jim Gaffigan was presenting, he appeared to be struggling to talk over the chants.

Later during the ceremony, host Aidy Bryant acknowledged the protests, saying, “We are at the beach and people are practicing their freedom of speech.” Later loud music started playing when Bryant was introducing a category. Once Jimmy O. Yang took to the stage, he also referenced the “heckler” outside.

Since the busy award season kicked off earlier this year, the Spirit Awards is the first awards show of the season that has been notably disrupted by protests.

People have continued to show up at major events and ceremonies across the United States, including the 2024 Sundance Film Festival last month, to protest after the war broke out when Hamas terrorists led an attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

The 39th Spirit Awards, hosted by Saturday Night Live alum Aidy Bryant, were held on Feb. 25. For the complete winners list, click here.