Why James McAvoy’s Oscar shirt was covered in celebrity autographs from Brie Larson and Sarah Paulson
‘I looked down on the ground and there was a red sharpie’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Oscars isn’t the usual affair for celebrities to deface their designer outfits but that’s exactly what James McAvoy decided to do at the 91st Academy Awards.
On Sunday 24 February, actors including Samuel L. Jackson, Sarah Paulson, and Brie Larson covered McAvoy’s crisp white shirt at the ceremony with autographs with red pen.
Speaking to Vanity Fair ahead of the publication’s Oscars Party that evening, McAvoy – who dressed in a Prada black tuxedo for the occasion - revealed the reason behind the yearbook-inspired shirt.
McAvoy explained that the signing began when he was backstage enjoying a drink at the awards show.
“I looked down on the ground and there was a red sharpie and there was Sam Jackson there and Brie Larson and all that so I was like ‘Hey guys, do you mind signing my shirt’, so I got my shirt signed,” he told VF presenters Catt Sadler and Queer Eye's Karamo Brown.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to auction it for charity."
Actors Frances McDormand, Charlize Theron and Michael B. Jordan’s names also feature on the shirt.
Following the event, the 39-year-old actor posted a photograph to Instagram of his newly-patterned ensemble.
“Went to the Oscars. Presented. Got mugged by sharpie wielding celebrities. #thuglebrity I’m sure my shirt is going to be defaced by more of these entitled graffiti mentalists as the night goes on,” he tagged the image showing off his shirt.
It's unknown which charity McAvoy plans to choose to auction his autographed shirt however he has previously been linked to organisations including children’s charity Variety and the British Red Cross.
McAvoy attended the Oscars to present the award for Best Sound Editing to Bohemian Rhapsody with Black Panther actor Danai Gurira.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments