The 2025 Oscars event, which was hosted at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, has been at the center of controversy after billionaire Elon Musk launched a fierce criticism of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for its “Representation and Inclusion Standards.”

Musk vented his anger on X (formerly Twitter), contending that nominations for high-profile categories such as Best Picture and acting should be purely merit-based and not diversity-based quotas.

Elon Musk Blasts Academy’s Diversity Requirements

“This is messed up. Should just be who is best, not best with an asterisk!” Musk posted on X, criticizing the Academy’s standards.

The “Representation and Inclusion Standards” were established in 2020 to encourage diversity in Hollywood. The standards compel movies to feature cast and crew from underrepresented racial, ethnic, gender, and disability groups in order to be eligible for the Best Picture category at the Academy Awards. The project is intended to open the film industry up to more diversity in front of the camera as well as behind it.

Under official Academy rules, one of the leads or a supporting actor of prominence in a Best Picture-nominated film should be from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group. Such groups comprise African American, Hispanic, Indigenous, Middle Eastern, South Asian, East Asian, and Pacific Islander communities. Also, at least 30% of the actors from ensemble casts need to be represented by at least two underrepresented groups, who also encompass women, the LGBTQ community, and those with physical or cognitive disabilities.

Oscars 2025 Highlights: ‘Anora’ Steals the Night

Despite the controversy, the 97th Academy Awards honored great cinematic successes. The biggest winner at the ceremony was Anora, a comedy-drama film about a sex worker who marries the spoiled son of a Russian oligarch, which won five Oscars.

Sean Baker, the innovative director of Anora, made history when he became the first individual to take home four Oscars for one film. He was honored for producing, directing, editing, and writing the script.

For the acting categories, Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) and Mikey Madison (Anora) took home the highest awards. Brody, a former Oscar winner for The Pianist, wowed crowds with his take on a genius but tormented architect. Meanwhile, Madison took home an award for her nuanced work as an exotic dancer trapped in a high-stakes marriage drama.

While Musk’s words have set controversies around merit over diversity abuzz again in Hollywood, the Academy is unwavering in pursuing inclusiveness for the world of films. With changing times in the industry, debates surrounding representation and quality are ongoing.