An Oscar-winning film director is helping to lead a fundraising drive in Hollywood for Just Stop Oil, Extinction Rebellion and other climate activist groups causing disruption around the world.

Adam McKay, who directed the climate change satire Don’t Look Up, has donated $250,000 to the groups and has joined a campaign to “mobilise Hollywood” and raise millions more.

McKay has heaped praise on Just Stop Oil, telling them in a video call: “You guys have done an amazing job. I’m a big believer in stopping the gears of production.”

The group has caused fuel shortages by blockading oil terminals and last month smashed petrol pumps at M25 services. There have been more than 1,200 arrests at Just Stop Oil protests and policing them has