The 2025 Oscars, held at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, did not sit well with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.
Musk criticized the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences over its “Representation and Inclusion Standards,” arguing that nominations for categories like Best Picture and acting should be based purely on merit rather than diversity quotas.
“Nominations should be determined solely by merit,” he stated.
“This is messed up. It should simply be about who is the best—not the best with an asterisk!” Musk wrote on X.
Introduced in 2020, the Academy’s “Representation and Inclusion Standards” aim to foster equitable representation in Hollywood. To qualify for a Best Picture nomination, films must include cast and crew members from underrepresented racial, ethnic, gender, and disability groups, promoting greater diversity both on and offscreen.
According to these guidelines, at least one lead or significant supporting actor in a Best Picture-nominated film must be from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group, such as African American, Hispanic, Indigenous, Middle Eastern, South Asian, East Asian, or Pacific Islander communities.
For ensemble casts, at least 30% of secondary or minor roles must be filled by individuals from at least two underrepresented groups, including women, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with cognitive or physical disabilities.
Meanwhile, the 97th Academy Awards, held on Sunday night, saw Anora, a dramedy about a sex worker who marries the spoiled son of a Russian oligarch, emerge as the biggest winner with five Oscars.
Director Sean Baker made history by winning four Oscars for the same film—producing, directing, editing, and writing Anora’s screenplay—an achievement highlighted by Variety.
In the acting categories, Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) and Mikey Madison (Anora) took home top honors. Brody, a previous Oscar winner for The Pianist, portrayed a brilliant yet troubled architect, while Madison won for her performance as an exotic dancer pressured to annul her marriage to her wealthy husband.
