Elon Musk's critique of "woke" Oscars stirs online debate
Elon Musk went onto his platform X on March 10th to criticize the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards just minutes before the ceremony. The billionaire wrote: "Winning an Oscar today means only that you've won a 'woke' contest." Musk disapproves that nowadays, emphasis is placed on visibility and representation in media and culture of groups that were previously discriminated against.
11 March 2024 13:07
Elon Musk also reacted to a post on X criticizing the DEI principles introduced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences when awarding prizes. DEI stands for "diversity, equity, and inclusion". These principles are intended to promote "fair treatment and full participation of all people", especially those groups "which were underrepresented or discriminated against in the past".
Elon Musk criticised the Oscars for being 'woke'
"When an award is diluted, everyone knows it, including those who received it, and it no longer commands respect," - Musk, who often criticizes DEI initiatives, not only in the context of the Oscars.
Musk's post was mocked by many on the billionaire's portal X. Television producer Danny Zuker wrote: "Someone wasn't invited this year to the cool parties." The after-Oscar night parties are organized by "Vanity Fair" magazine and film studios like Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, and Netflix. Many comments were in the tone of: "Some things can't be bought. No matter how rich you are. Cry louder."
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"Maybe I was wrong" - Musk wrote on X after announcing this year's Oscar winners. The award for Best Picture went to Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer". The film dominated the competition, winning seven awards, including Best Director for Christopher Nolan and Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr.
Who is bothered by being "woke"? Elon Musk about the 2024 Oscars
Most of the winners seemed not to feel threatened by the 'woke' culture that causes Musk and other opponents of social progress to lose sleep. Cillian Murphy, who became the first Irishman to win the award for Best Actor, said upon receiving the award: "We made a movie about the man who created the atomic bomb. For better or worse, we all live in Oppenheimer's world, so I would like to dedicate this film to peacemakers around the world."
Robert Downey Jr. thanked the Academy for his Oscar and his difficult childhood. The star also paid tribute to his wife Susan Downey, who, he said, found him as a "growling abandoned mutt." After achieving success in Hollywood as a young man, Downey Jr. struggled with mental health issues and addictions. The actor concluded his thanks to his wife with: "Her love brought me back to life, that's why I'm here."
The word "woke" has become a kind of "slur" in the mouths of conservative opponents of social progress. Originally, it was used in the 1930s by the African-American part of United States society in the phrase "stay woke," meaning awareness of social and political issues affecting African Americans.
