Elon Musk’s disdain for the Academy Awards was evident as he voiced his criticisms of the prestigious event, suggesting that winning an Oscar now equates to winning a “woke contest.”
Questioning Prestige
Musk’s remarks, shared on X, conveyed his belief that the Oscars have lost their former prestige, asserting that when an award becomes diluted, it no longer commands respect. His comments reflect a broader skepticism towards what he perceives as the “woke” culture permeating various aspects of society, including corporate diversity initiatives.
Link to DEI Criticisms
The tech billionaire’s grievances with the Oscars seem to be intertwined with his critiques of corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Musk has previously equated DEI with racism, condemning its usage and positioning it as part of his ongoing resistance against what he views as “woke” ideologies.
Support for Gina Carano
In February, former MMA fighter Gina Carano revealed that Musk’s X Corporation was financially backing her legal battle against Disney and Lucasfilm. Carano’s lawsuit stemmed from her dismissal in 2021 following controversies related to her social media posts, which were deemed as transphobic and right-wing by some fans.
Criticism Beyond Entertainment
Musk’s discontent extends beyond the entertainment industry. He recently criticized Google over allegations of “woke” programming in its Gemini chatbot, accusing the tech giant of promoting divisive and racially charged content.
Parallel Opinions
Former President Donald Trump also joined the conversation, branding the Oscars as a “really bad politically correct” event on his Truth Social platform, aligning with Musk’s sentiments regarding the perceived cultural shifts reflected in the awards show.
While representatives for Musk refrained from immediate comment, his outspoken views underscore a larger debate surrounding societal norms and the influence of “woke” ideologies in various spheres.