Here's Why So Many Stars Are Wearing Blue Ribbons to the Oscars

Loving star Ruth Negga took to the red carpet at the 89th annual Academy Awards wearing the blue ribbon on her stunning red gown

The stars are taking a stand.

Celebrities took to the red carpet at the 89th annual Academy Awards on Sunday wearing blue ribbon pins as symbols of solidarity with the American Civil Liberties Union.

Loving star Ruth Negga kicked off the trend among the stars on Sunday, wearing the pin on her red, flowing, long-sleeve gown.

The accessories are part of the civil rights organization’s latest initiative, “Stand with ACLU,” according to a statement from the ACLU obtained by PEOPLE.

Ruth Negga
Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

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Nominees, presenters, musicians and guests are encouraged to wear the ribbon to show their support “for the rights and civil liberties guaranteed by the Constitution to everyone in the United States,” the statement reads.

89th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals

Negga gushed about the organization to PEOPLE, noting that the nonprofit champions a “basic love of human rights”

“They’re a big part of our film,” Negga said of the movie that chronicles the love story of Mildred and Richard Loving, an interracial couple who fought for their right to be married.

Luz Towns-Miranda, Lin-Manuel Miranda
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

“Our film features two American Civil Liberties Union lawyers who change the constitution of the United Stares for the better and I’m all for that,” she said.

Stylist Karla Welch took to Instagram on Sunday, posting a close-up shot of Negga’s ribbon, writing, “The accessory I’m most proud of #ACLU #MegaNegga.”

Negga is nominated for Best Actress for her role as Mildred in Loving.

RELATED VIDEO: Ruth Negga Discusses ‘Loving’ and ACLU Support

Oscars Opening Ceremony: Live from the Red Carpet airs on ABC at 7 p.m. ET. The Oscars themselves will air at 8:30 p.m. ET and The Oscars: All Access live stream from the red carpet and backstage will begin at 7 p.m. ET.

Hamilton star, Lin-Manuel Miranda, who is slated to perform at the awards show, also sported the ribbon on the red carpet, as did his date, his mother Dr. Luz Towns-Miranda.

The little, blue ribbon was the perfect pop of color for model Karlie Kloss’s white, floor-length gown.

Kevin Mazur/Getty
Kevin Mazur/Getty

Stars have shown increased support for the organization in recent months. During her acceptance speech at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in January, Sarah Paulson urged the public to donate to the non-profit group.

“Any money you have to spare, please donate to the ACLU,” she said. “It’s a vital organization that relies entirely on your support.”

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