Oscars Amid War: Stars Silent, Jackson Suit Stirs

0:00I'm Cory with the story, bringing you the latest in entertainment and pop culture. Oscar voting wrapped up Thursday at 5 p.m. Pacific time, clearing the way for nominees to focus on the big night March 15th. But with war raging in Iran and U.S. politics more divided than ever, many in Hollywood feels speaking out could backfire big time. Insiders say red carpet chats on world events now spark instant social media firestorms, from hate to demands to just shut up and act. Many leaders trust host Conan O'Brien to handle his monologue without politics, but publicists for nominees are urging silence to avoid the noise. This stands in sharp contrast to the Oscars 23 years ago, right after the U.S. invaded Iraq. Back then, stars like Nicole Kidman and Michael Moore called out the war from the stage, even as the show went on without a full red carpet. Meanwhile, Lionsgate's Michael Jackson biopic faces fresh trouble. A teaser drew over 116 million views, but now four Jackson siblings of sued, claiming

1:01the singer abused them as kids. The estate calls it a money grab, yet the studio eyes a sequel if it hits big April 24th. Over in the awards circuit, Iranian director Jafar Panahi is torn. Promoting his Oscar-nominated film amid U.S. and Israeli strikes on his home country, he admits feeling worlds apart, celebrating on red carpets while, worrying about family and a possible arrest if he returns. D&N is sponsored by our partner. A pillow that sounds as good as it feels, built for listening in bed, S-O-L-I-SOL-PILLO.com.