Additionally, Musk responded to a post on X that critiqued the DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) principles the Academy has introduced in its awarding process. These principles aim to ensure "fair treatment and full participation of all people," focusing especially on groups "that were underrepresented or discriminated against in the past."
Elon Musk criticized the Oscars for being 'woke'
Musk, who frequently criticizes DEI initiatives beyond the Oscars, commented, "When an award is diluted, everyone knows it, including those who received it, and it no longer commands respect."
Many users on X mocked Musk's post. Television producer Danny Zuker quipped, "Someone wasn't invited this year to the cool parties." The after-Oscar parties are renowned and hosted by Vanity Fair magazine and film studios such as Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, and Netflix. Many echoed the sentiment, "Some things -strong>can't be bought-. No matter how rich you are. Cry louder."
Oscars 2024. Netizens suspect that Musk is jealous
"Maybe I was wrong," Musk conceded on X following the announcement of this year's Oscar winners. The Best Picture award was claimed by Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer," which led the pack by securing seven awards, including Best Director for Nolan and Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr.
Who is irked by "woke" culture? Elon Musk's perspective on the 2024 Oscars
It appears that the winners were not perturbed by the so-called 'woke' culture that Musk, among others critical of social progress, finds distressing. Cillian Murphy, the first Irishman to win the Best Actor award, dedicated his win: "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. expressed his gratitude to the Academy for his Oscar and reflected on his tumultuous childhood. He also paid homage to his wife, Susan Downey, whom he affectionately described as having rescued him like a "growling abandoned mutt." Downey Jr., who encountered mental health issues and addictions after early success in Hollywood, credited his wife's love with revitalizing his life, adding, "That's why I'm here."
The term "woke," which has become somewhat of a pejorative used by conservative critics of social advancement, originally emerged in the 1930s within the African-American community in the United States. The term "stay woke" signified awareness of the social and political matters affecting African Americans.
