Olivia Wilde Wears ‘ICE Out’ Pin at Sundance and Condemns Violence: ‘This Country Is Hurting’
Olivia Wilde used her time at the Sundance Film Festival to speak out forcefully about the state of the nation, wearing an “ICE Out” pin on the red carpet and delivering an emotional message following the death of 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti in Minnesota.
Wilde is attending Sundance this year with two projects, including the Seth Rogen comedy The Invite, which she directed, and Gregg Araki’s I Want Your Sex, in which she stars. But despite the celebratory atmosphere of the festival, the actress and filmmaker said it was impossible to ignore what she described as a moment of deep national pain.
While speaking on the red carpet, Wilde acknowledged the contrast between the joy of film storytelling and the reality unfolding across the country. She said the U.S. is “hurting,” adding that she felt appalled and sickened by the growing normalization of violence.
“We can’t keep accepting this as normal,” Wilde said, emphasizing that the repeated images of people being killed should never become something society grows accustomed to. She described the situation as “hideous” and urged people in positions of influence to take a stand.
Wilde made clear that her choice to wear the “ICE Out” pin was intentional, saying she believes artists and public figures should use moments like Sundance to support movements calling for accountability and change. She argued that silence only allows harmful systems to persist.
The actress also expressed admiration for Americans who continue to protest despite the risks involved. According to Wilde, it has been inspiring to see people across the country take to the streets, even as demonstrating has become increasingly dangerous.
“People are still showing up,” she said, calling the courage of protesters a powerful reminder of collective strength and resistance.
Wilde was not alone in her stance at the festival. Earlier in the day, Natalie Portman appeared wearing pins reading “ICE Out” and “Be Good” while promoting her film The Gallerist. Portman echoed similar sentiments, noting the painful contrast between celebrating art and confronting what she described as devastating events unfolding nationwide.
She praised the sense of community emerging among Americans, saying people are standing up for one another, protecting each other, and fighting for their freedoms. Portman described the moment as bittersweet — a time to celebrate creative work while acknowledging the profound suffering many are experiencing.
As Sundance continues, voices like Wilde’s and Portman’s have turned the festival into more than a showcase for film, transforming it into a platform for political expression, solidarity, and calls for accountability during a period of intense national unrest.