In an unexpected twist that shook the foundations of Hollywood, legendary actor Robert De Niro has reportedly been barred from the 2025 Oscars after making a shocking request attributed to tech mogul Elon Musk. According to sources close to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, De Niro has not only been banned from attending the ceremony, but has also been stripped of all possible nominations for the next edition of the most prestigious film award. This event, which took place just days before the end of 2024, has sparked a storm of indignation and speculation in the entertainment industry and beyond.

It all started when rumors circulated on social media about a direct intervention by Musk, known for his influence in various fields and his recent foray into political and cultural circles following his support for Donald Trump in the 2024 elections. Apparently, the Tesla and SpaceX founder contacted the Oscars organizers to express his dissatisfaction with the presence of De Niro, whom he has publicly criticized in the past for his opposing political positions. Musk reportedly argued that the actor’s participation in the gala was incompatible with the values ​​he himself stands for, calling De Niro a “divisive figure” and “representative of a woke agenda” who, in his view, had no place at an event of this magnitude.

Winner of two Oscars for his performances in   The Godfather Part II   and   Raging Bull   , Robert De Niro has been a leading voice in Hollywood for years, not only for his acting talent but also for his political activism. The actor has repeatedly attacked Trump, calling him “dangerous” and comparing him to historical figures such as Adolf Hitler. These statements have earned him both support and opposition. These positions have made him a polarizing figure, especially in a context where political tensions in the United States have reached historic levels following Trump’s re-election in November 2024. It is precisely this hostility that is rumored to have prompted Musk to take drastic measures.

Musk’s alleged request did not go unnoticed. Anonymous sources within the Academy say that after an emergency meeting, the decision was made to grant the request – a decision that has baffled many in the industry. While the Academy has not yet released an official statement confirming the details, De Niro’s absence from the preliminary nomination lists that usually leak around this time of year has fueled suspicions. Some speculate that pressure from Musk, who is an influential figure even in Hollywood due to his wealth and connections, may have been accompanied by veiled threats, such as withdrawing sponsorships or mobilizing his supporters to boycott the event.

The reaction was not long in coming. Actors, directors and screenwriters expressed their outrage on social media, calling the alleged ban an unprecedented attack on artistic freedom and freedom of expression. People like Martin Scorsese, who frequently works with De Niro, have reportedly expressed their support for the actor, while others have questioned the legitimacy of the Academy for giving in to what they describe as “a billionaire’s whim”. A more conservative section of society, however, welcomed the decision, seeing it as a victory against what they see as a liberal elite that has dominated Hollywood for too long.

The incident also highlighted the growing overlap between technology, politics and entertainment. Musk, who previously made headlines for challenging Disney and other companies with his progressive policies, appears to be expanding his influence into new areas. Her relationship with Trump, cemented by the financial and media support she gave him during the campaign, may have given her the push she needed to intervene in such a symbolic event as the Oscars. Some analysts believe the move is not just a personal attack on De Niro, but also a sign of things to come: an era in which people like Musk seek to shape pop culture in their image.

Meanwhile, De Niro has not commented publicly on the matter, but people who know him say he will not remain silent for long. His recent appearance in the Netflix series   Zero Day   , in which he plays a former president investigating a cyberattack, had sparked rumors of a possible candidacy, making his exclusion even more shocking. Fans of the actor launched online campaigns using hashtags such as #DeNiroBanned and #Oscars2025, demanding answers and threatening to boycott the ceremony if the ban is upheld.

As the 2025 Oscars, scheduled for March, approaches, there is more uncertainty. Is Musk really behind this decision or is it just hype fueled by the current polarization? What does this mean for the future of the awards ceremonies and Hollywood in general? What is clear is that this scandal has reignited debates about power, influence and the limits of freedom in an industry that seems more than ever to be entangled in the turbulent currents of global politics. Only time will tell whether this episode marks the beginning of a new era or merely a passing chapter in the turbulent relationship between art and power.