Mila Kunis Says She's "Gutted" by Current Global Events in Touching Oscars Speech
Several stars wore blue ribbons printed with the hashtag #WithRefugees to show their support for Ukraine at the event.
Mila Kunis turned heads on the 94th Academy Awards red carpet and on the stage.
The actress, who was a presenter during the Oscars 2022 ceremony, showed support for her home country, Ukraine, in her speech.
"Recent global events have left many of us feeling gutted," she said, presumably referring to Russia's war on Ukraine. Kunis said she is moved by people's resilience and is in awe of "those who find strength" amid the darkness.
Following her speech, a message asking viewers to support Ukraine appeared on the screen. "While film is an important avenue for us to express our humanity in times of conflict, the reality is millions of families in Ukraine need food, medical care, clean water, and emergency services. Resources are scarce, and we—collectively as a global community—can do more," the message read.
"We ask you to support Ukraine in any way you are able #standwithukraine," another message read.
Photo: David Livingston/Getty Images
Several stars wore blue ribbons printed with the hashtag #WithRefugees to show their support for Ukraine at the event. The ribbons were created by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and distributed by the UN Refugee Agency.
Kunis and husband Ashton Kutcher launched a GoFundMe to help Ukrainians in need as they continue to defend themselves against Russia's attacks. In the span of two weeks, the famous pair raised more than $30 million—and the donations keep coming.
"Today, I have never been more proud to be a Ukrainian," Kunis said in a video with Kutcher earlier this month, announcing their GoFundMe. "And I have never been more proud to be married to a Ukrainian," Kutcher added at the time.
On March 17, they announced they had hit their goal, but would continue to send the donated money to help those in need in the war-torn country.
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis (Photo: Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images)
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked them for their efforts. "@aplusk & Mila Kunis were among the first to respond to our grief. They have already raised $35 million & are sending it to @flexport & @Airbnb to help refugees. Grateful for their support. Impressed by their determination. They inspire the world. #StandWithUkraine," he wrote on Twitter.
Tonight marked Kunis and Kutcher's Oscars debut—despite the fact that they've been married since 2015. Kunis arrived at the Dolby Theatre in a gorgeous, silky, rose-colored gown by Zuhair Murad, which featured a ruched bodice and built-in belt, and Kutcher looked sharp in a black suit and bow tie as he gazed lovingly at his wife.
This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US