Bill Nighy has revealed the reason why he carried around a what appeared to be a Sylvanian Families rabbit on the Oscars red carpet – and it’s rather sweet.
The Love Actually actor had many scratching their heads on Twitter when he proudly posed with the seemingly ketchup-soaked toy at the cinematic event held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday.
One fan tweeted: “Is there a reason Bill Nighy is carrying around a murdered (?) Sylvanian bunny.”
“Someone tell me the story behind Bill Nighy’s lil bunny please,” another commented.
A third added: “Bill Nighy with a Sylvanian family bunny on the Oscarsred carpet... He simply has the edge we crave but could never dream up ourselves. We will never be on his level.”
Despite social media’s confusion, Nighy’s reasoning was more heartfelt than anyone could have imagined: he was in fact on very special “rabbit-sitting” duties for his granddaughter.
The actor, 73, told Metro via a statement: “My granddaughter’s schedule intensified, and I was charged with rabbit-sitting responsibilities.
“I wasn’t prepared to leave her unattended in a hotel room. The stakes are too high. Where I go, she goes…”
The star was nominated for Best Actor for his turn in Living at Sunday’s award, but lost out to Brendan Fraser.
Everything Everywhere All At Once proved to be the biggest winner at the 95th Academy Awards.
The multiverse sci-fi epic, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, claimed seven prizes including three acting gongs, best directing and best picture, the biggest of the night.
Michelle Yeoh claimed the Oscar for best leading actress, fending off competition from two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett to become the first woman from an Asian background to win the prize.
Taking to the stage, she said: “For all the little boys and girls who look like me, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities.
“Dream big, dreams do come true. Ladies, never let anyone tell you you are past your prime.”
She added: “This is history in the making.”
In a recent interview, Bill Nighy claimed that at the age of 16 he turned down a job working in a club in France where they offered him 200 francs to sleep with older women.
The actor also reflected on his relationship with substances, stating: “Had I continued to drink and take other drugs, I would not be having this conversation. That is the central fact of my life. I got help.”
