Jodie Foster, Michael J. Fox call for unity at UTA immigrant rights rally
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}This image released by Cohen Media group shows Shahab Hosseini, left, and Taraneh Alidoosti in a scene from "The Salesman." The film is nominated for an Oscar for best foreign language film. The 89th Academy Awards will take place on Feb. 26. (Cohen Media Group via AP)
While most celebrities are gearing up for Oscar events, Jodie Foster, Michael J. Fox and Keegan Michael Key are among those who gathered to speak Friday at a rally in support of immigrant rights.
Speaking to a crowd of about 1,200 onlookers outside of United Talent Agency headquarters in Beverly Hills, Foster said that while she has shied away from political activism in the past, "it's time to show up. It's time to engage."
The talent agency organized the nearly two-hour rally in lieu of an annual Oscars party.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Oscar-nominated Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi also spoke via video from Tehran to praise the show of unity among the cinema community. Farhadi previously said he would boycott Sunday's ceremony as a result of President Donald Trump's Muslim travel ban.