'Messed up': Elon Musk slams Oscars 2025 diversity standards

Los Angeles: The Oscars 2025 ceremony at the famed Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles has not gone down well with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who criticised the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for its 'Representation and Inclusion Standards.'

Musk argued that nominations in categories such as Best Picture and acting should be based purely on merit and not influenced by diversity quotas.

"This is messed up. Should just be who is best, not best with an asterisk!" Musk wrote on X, expressing his disapproval of the Academy’s selection process.

Academy’s diversity standards explained

The Academy introduced its 'Representation and Inclusion Standards' in 2020 to promote equitable representation in Hollywood. According to these guidelines, for a film to be eligible for the Best Picture Oscar, it must include cast and crew members from underrepresented racial, ethnic, gender, and disability groups.

The official guidelines state that at least one of the lead actors or significant supporting actors in a Best Picture-nominated film must belong to an underrepresented racial or ethnic group. These groups include African American, Hispanic, Indigenous, Middle Eastern, South Asian, East Asian, and Pacific Islander communities.

Additionally, for ensemble casts, at least 30 per cent of actors in secondary or minor roles must come from at least two underrepresented groups, which also include women, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with cognitive or physical disabilities.

‘Anora’ triumphs at the Oscars

Meanwhile, the 97th Academy Awards, held on Sunday night, saw 'Anora' emerge victorious with five wins. The dramedy, which follows a sex worker who marries the pampered son of a Russian oligarch, dominated the night.

Sean Baker, the maverick filmmaker behind 'Anora,' made history by winning four Oscars for the same movie. He was recognised for producing, directing, editing, and writing the film's screenplay.

In the acting categories, Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison took home the top honours. Brody, previously awarded for 'The Pianist,' won Best Actor for his role in 'The Brutalist,' where he played a brilliant but troubled architect.

Madison claimed Best Actress for her portrayal of an exotic dancer under pressure to get an annulment from her wealthy husband in "Anora."

ANI