The 2025 Academy Awards took place on February 23 at the Dolby Theater, yet the biggest drama wasn’t on stage but rather behind the scenes. Kevin Costner, the star of “Yellowstone” and “Dances With Wolves,” firmly refused to appear alongside Whoopi Goldberg. The incident occurred moments before a major award presentation, forcing organizers to hurriedly adjust the show’s script. Later, Costner explained his actions with a brief yet impactful statement: “Evil people don’t deserve to be here,” sparking widespread speculation about the conflict between the two Hollywood icons.
According to insiders at the event, Costner was originally set to present a lifetime achievement award alongside Goldberg, who has been a familiar face as an Oscars host. However, just minutes before going live, Costner abruptly exited the preparation area, informing producers that he would not stand on stage with her. A backstage source revealed that Costner had previously voiced dissatisfaction with Goldberg’s remarks on “The View,” particularly regarding politics and culture—topics that Costner typically avoids discussing publicly. While Costner did not elaborate further, his brief statement hinted at deeper tensions between the two stars.
Hollywood’s reaction to the incident was sharply divided. Supporters of Costner praised his decision, lauding his consistency and principles. One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “Kevin knows his worth—no need to fake it with anyone.” Meanwhile, Goldberg’s fans responded with strong criticism, calling Costner’s behavior “unprofessional” and “childish.” Goldberg herself addressed the situation lightly yet pointedly during “The View” following the Oscars: “I don’t know what his issue is, but I’m still here, and the Oscars are still amazing.”
The Academy declined to provide an official comment on the incident, merely confirming that the last-minute change was made to “ensure the show ran smoothly.” However, the situation reignited conversations about Hollywood’s solidarity, especially amid growing divisions in the entertainment industry. With Costner preparing to launch the sequel to “Horizon: An American Saga” and Goldberg continuing her prominent television role, this may not be the final chapter in their clash. Will this controversy fade into obscurity or escalate into a public feud? Only time will tell, but for now, the Costner-Goldberg incident remains a hot topic in entertainment circles.
