Actresses Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot paired up for their presenting gig at the Academy Awards. However, their dynamic left fans on edge as they remembered a feud between them.

Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot were partnered up to present at the Academy Awards, despite speculation that the pair do not get along at all.

The Snow White co-stars are known for their starkly different political opinions, especially on the Israeli-Palestinian humanitarian crisis with Gal, who has been slammed for her pro-Israel stance in the past, and Rachel advocating for a free Palestine. The Disney film was controversial from the onset of casting as many activists online called for a distinct boycott when Israeli-born Gal was handed the role. Rachel seemed to, somewhat, support their sentiments when, after thanking fans for their support on the movie’s trailer, she posted: “And always remember, free Palestine.”

Since then, speculation about their interpersonal relationship ensued among fans. Body language expert Judi James told the Irish Star that, at the Oscars, not much bound the two together. She said: “These two women effectively came out on stage separately. Walk ons normally involve hand-holding or subtler tie-signs or exchanges but Rachel marched out ahead with her arms swinging while Gal clutched at her fuller skirt.”

Judi further recognized that the duo’s mega height difference might contribute to the lack of glances, but also pointed out that “Rachel performed a closed lip beam with her head held back while Gal spoke, fiddling with her nails during the second piece,” adding, “Gal looked away and down and only quickly turned her head to glance once at her co-star.”

They were very reserved with their interactions (Image: Penske Media via Getty Images)
They continued to give “no signals” between each other. As the awards were handed out, they “stood with a reasonably large spatial gap between them, pulling very different body language poses.” Judi noted: “Gal even walked quickly off stage ahead of Rachel who paired off with one of the winners.”

Fans backed up Judi’s thoughts. “You can tell they hate each other,” one wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Another added: “Did anyone noticed Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot was standing apart and didnt even look at each other the whole time they were on stage?”

Neither actress has publicly expressed their potential divide. However, Rachel did speak to why she felt moved to speak up about the ongoing crisis in Gaza. She previously told Variety: “I can’t watch children die. I don’t think that should be a hot take … I’m only responsible for what I feel. And I’m also responsible for how I act upon it. We’re nearing one year since the horrendous attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, but I’ve been following this conflict for so many years. Like so many people, I’m so heartbroken by the loss of life that we’re seeing with these insane death tolls coming out of both regions.”