The Oscars night gave us numerous surprises this year. There is much to talk about from Robert Downey Jr. and the entire Oppenheimer team’s triumph to John Cena’s bizarre entry. However, a certain part of the event has divided the fans and has raised an intense internet debate. The fans did not appreciate how Downey Jr. and Emma Stone reacted to Ke Huy Quan and Michelle Yeoh while receiving the Golden Statuettes for Best Supporting Actor and Leading Actress.
The Academy brought the 2009 concept of ‘Fab 5’ presenters back this year. It saw five past winners in each acting category announcing the current nominees before unveiling the winner. While it was meant to create wholesome moments, debates were raised online regarding Robert Downey Jr. and Emma Stone’s seemingly ignorant behaviors toward the Asian stars.
Robert Downey Jr. and Emma Stone’s behavior at the Oscars raises questions
As much a glorious moment it was for Robert Downey Jr. to win the first Oscar of his life following so many hurdles, he raised eyebrows for his seemingly questionable behavior. When he was announced as the Best Supporting Actor winner, Ke Huy Quan, Sam Rockwell, Tim Robbins, Christoph Waltz, and Mahershala Ali were on the stage. Although the Lewis Strauss-fame received the statuette from Quan, he did not make any eye contact with him (via ABC.com).
Later, the Iron Man star also did not notice Quan attempting to give him the Winner’s envelope. The fans did not like the behavior and accused him of being rude and classless. A similar fiasco also happened when Emma Stone took the stage to accept her Best Actress prize for Poor Things. Initially, Michelle Yeoh was handing over the award but suddenly it went over to Jennifer Lawrence and the latter presented the award to Stone.
Many fans compared the La La Land actress’ behavior to Taylor Swift’s seemingly rude behavior to Celine Dion at the Grammys. However, this debate got its closure when last year’s Oscar winner, Yeoh, herself clarified the incident on her Instagram. She cleared that she wanted Stone to receive the award from the No Hard Feelings actress as they were besties.
The fans are left divided over the entire scenario
The fans were elated and inspired when Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan won their Oscars last year for Everything Everywhere All At Once. Although certain backstage pictures of Robert Downey Jr. and Emma Stone revealed that they hugged the Asian stars later, the fans strongly believe that they were a part of a PR stunt.
Let’s take a look at some tweets:
That's not cool. Very rude and mean.
— Gabe (@gabechoi2012) March 11, 2024
I think what annoyed me more was JL basically grabbing the award from MY to give it to ES. There’s footage of Sally Field trying to stop her.
— Feelinalittlebookish (@Feelinthebooks) March 11, 2024
Very telling that both of their first instincts was to completely ignore Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan, but then show respect to EVERYONE else on stage even though they were the first to greet them & hand them the Oscar. Idgaf if they gave a PR hug after it was all over.
— WHITE MOONLIGHT (@WHITEM00NLIGHT) March 11, 2024
Me too. I felt deep anguish and heartache when I witnessed their discriminatory behavior. Shame on Asians who try to cover it up as if nothing happened.
— ネル (@schaf0324) March 11, 2024
On the other hand, several fans have also claimed that it was an intense and memorable moment for the stars. According to them, the stars are presented with only 45 seconds to speak and a lot goes on their mind during this time. Additionally, the backstage photos of Quan and Robert Downey Jr. also make them believe that most audiences are overreacting to the situation.
Emma Stone and Robert Downey Jr had just won an Oscar. They were probably nervous and overwhelmed and forgot to greet everybody. There's pics of both RDJ and Emma greeting Michelle and Ke Huy. People these days are just picking on anything as an excuse to hate on someone. 😒 https://t.co/9U1yJCI0RU pic.twitter.com/loYlwFJluU
— Mione (@Carells_Downeyy) March 11, 2024
Oh for goodness sake! Please stop reading in things that aren't there!
— Lisa Told You So Tucker-Clemens (@TuckerClemens) March 11, 2024
Idk who you speak for but calm down. They gravitated to the people they know because they were nervous. It's not serious
— David (@Perphected) March 11, 2024
Both Emma and Robert ignored half of the people who were there. It has nothings to do with discrimination. They just went to the people they know the best.
— D e s o (@lilidesousa07) March 11, 2024
This internet debate will undoubtedly go on for a long time. It will be interesting to see if RDJ and Emma Stone come out with a fair clarification on their part about the entire thing that happened. Robert Downey Jr. won all the awards for Best Supporting Actor in this awards season after fighting many obstacles in his career and it would not be very pleasant if his triumph gets overshadowed by the controversy.
