The 2025 Academy Awards took an unexpected turn when Robert Downey Jr., fresh off his Best Actor win for The Brutalist, publicly called Elon Musk a “bastard.” The insult, delivered in the middle of his acceptance speech, left the star-studded audience in stunned silence before gasps and whispers filled the room. The confrontation instantly stole the spotlight from Hollywood’s biggest night, transforming it into a dramatic showdown between two of the most influential figures in entertainment and technology. Host Conan O’Brien attempted to defuse the tension with humor, but the moment had already cemented itself in Oscar history.
Elon Musk wasted no time responding, standing up and firing back with, “Try that again, Tony Stark!”—a sharp retort that referenced Downey’s iconic Iron Man role. While some A-listers laughed at the exchange, others sat in shock as social media exploded with debate. Hashtags like #DowneyVsMusk and #OscarsClash began trending worldwide, with fans fiercely defending their respective sides. Though the true cause of their feud remains unclear, speculation points to clashes over technology, influence, or personal grievances. Regardless, the altercation ensured that the 2025 Oscars will be remembered as much for its drama as its awards.