Daryl Hannah Voices Support for Ukraine at Oscars 2025
The 97th Academy Awards turned into a platform for political expression when actress Daryl Hannah, took to the stage in support of Ukraine on March 2, 2025. There she was, amidst Hollywood’s glittering stars, presenting the Best Film Editing award, when she caught the audience by surprise with her fervent shout of 'Slava Ukraini'—a phrase meaning 'Glory to Ukraine'. This bold statement resonated in a room full of celebrities and filmmakers, but it was more than just catching the headlines; it was a reflection of the ongoing global unrest and mounting tensions.
The timing couldn’t have been more poignant. Just days prior, a heated exchange between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House had drawn global attention. Hannah's vocal support for Ukraine highlighted Hollywood's engagement with such geopolitical issues. While the Oscars usually offers a night of celebration and glamour, Hannah’s moment served as a reminder of the real-world tensions lingering off-screen.
Kill Bill and the Legacy of its Characters
Daryl Hannah is well-remembered for her role as Elle Driver in Quentin Tarantino’s *Kill Bill* series. Sharing the stage at the Oscars, Hannah marked the 21st anniversary of *Kill Bill: Vol. 2*. As she praised film editors, calling them the 'real total badasses in movies' for their role in crafting unforgettable narratives, she also paid tribute to a film series that, despite amassing a massive global following and over $333 million at the box office, never received Oscar nominations.
Movies like *Kill Bill*, where Uma Thurman’s character Beatrix Kiddo faced off against Hannah's assassin Elle Driver, continue to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide. Even after more than two decades, rumors of a *Kill Bill: Vol. 3* linger, with Tarantino leaving open the possibility of continuing the story, possibly focusing on Beatrix and her daughter.
Hannah’s shout of 'Slava Ukraini' was more than mere words; it mirrored Hollywood's emerging role as a participant in global dialogues. The phrase has gained significant symbolic heft since Russia's increased aggression toward Ukraine, forming part of the international chorus supporting Ukrainian resistance.
In essence, Daryl Hannah’s passionate declaration at the Oscars was a powerful reminder that the worlds of entertainment and global politics can intersect in significant ways, bringing attention to issues that matter beyond the silver screen. While we await possible news of future *Kill Bill* installments, moments like these keep geopolitical awareness alive and kicking in spaces dedicated to art and celebration.