The 2026 Academy Awards celebrated some of the biggest achievements in Hollywood, but the ceremony also sparked online debate after Elon Musk shared a blunt reaction. The Tesla CEO weighed in on social media shortly after the awards aired, joining the growing online conversation about the changing direction of the Oscars.
Elon Musk shares his take on the 2026 Oscars
Musk made the remark on Monday, March 16, while replying to a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) that mocked evolving trends in Hollywood storytelling and award eligibility. Responding to the tweet, Musk wrote simply, “Oscars have become unwatchable.”
The original post referenced “The Godfather” and used satire to suggest that, if the classic film were made today, it might struggle to qualify for the Academy Awards because of modern cultural expectations. The comment quickly circulated online, with many users debating whether the Oscars have changed in ways that make them less appealing to audiences.
Musk’s response added fuel to the discussion, drawing thousands of reactions from users who either agreed with his view or defended the ceremony’s evolving standards.
The criticism arrived just hours after the 98th Academy Awards took place at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Often described as the film industry’s most prestigious night, the ceremony gathered actors, filmmakers, and creatives to celebrate the year’s cinematic achievements.
One of the evening’s biggest winners was Paul Thomas Anderson’s film One Battle After Another. The movie entered the ceremony as one of the most nominated projects and ultimately dominated the night, securing six awards, including Best Picture.
Anderson also won Best Director for the project, while the film also picked up additional honors, including Best Adapted Screenplay. Veteran actor Sean Penn won Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film, and the production team also won Best Casting.
The 2026 Oscars also took place under heightened security measures. Organizers worked with the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department after federal authorities warned of a potential Iranian threat in California. Officials later clarified that there was no specific or credible threat targeting the ceremony.
