The Oscars have been filled with gorgeous gowns, dapper suits, and quirky accompaniments since the show’s origin 95 years ago. Somehow, though, every year manages to carry its own set of surprises, delights, and disasters of a new variety.
Whether it’s Florence Pugh’s comforter-chic Valentino gown or Paul Mescal’s prom-nostalgic Gucci suit, actors and actresses always bring a unique approach to the event.
This year, 73-year-old Bill Nighy took to the champagne carpet with a small, orange-stained Sylvanian bunny in hand.
The bunny, barely three inches tall, is a member of the Babblebrook family from the Sylvanian Families. This brand of toy rabbits is meant for children aged three and above. This specific rabbit appears to be from a mid-1980 launch and is no longer available for purchase.
Throughout the night, Nighy carried his rabbit figurine, splattered in an unknown orange substance. He even held the bunny up toward photographers during his stint in front of the cameras, emphasizing its presence.
Many initially questioned Nighy’s choice of accessory. They searched for socially righteous explanations. In the Oscars’ long and politically-rich history, stars have long since represented their values through their dress.
After all, in 2020, a year in which no women directors were nominated for Best Director, Natalie Portman shouldered a long black cape embroidered with the names of Greta Gerwig, Lorene Scafaria, Lulu Wang, and other women directors who were not recognized by the board. Decades prior, Elizabeth Taylor donned a red ribbon to increase AIDS awareness.
Initially, fans speculated that Bill Nighy’s rabbit represented a recent petition to protect the pygmy rabbit from impending extinction. Others wondered if the rabbit referenced Tu’er Shen, the Chinese rabbit god who recently rose to celebration in Taiwan as an icon of the gay and queer community.
Confusingly, Nighy already sported a blue ribbon, the UN’s recent symbol to indicate the wearer stands in solidarity with refugees worldwide.
While less politically and socially charged, the reason behind Bill Nighy’s rabbit’s attendance at the Oscars is just as thoughtful.
His granddaughter was too busy to attend to the rabbit that Sunday. Bill Nighy was asked to babysit.
When asked about his small companion, Nighy told Metro, “My granddaughter’s schedule intensified, and I was charged with rabbit-sitting responsibilities. I wasn’t prepared to leave her unattended in a hotel room. The stakes are too high!”
“Where I go, she goes…” Nighy finished, referencing his granddaughter’s special toy.
Nighy, in attendance at the Oscars to celebrate his nomination in the category of Best Actor for his role in Living, has two granddaughters aged seven and three. The question remains, why is the rabbit covered in orange?
Nighy played an aging bureaucrat diagnosed with terminal cancer in Living. With grace and unshowy poise, Nighy depicted his character’s touching pursuit of a beautiful life despite his terminal diagnosis.
Interested in reading more about the 2023 Oscars? Click here for a comprehensive list of the best outfits on the champagne carpet Sunday night.
