With Hollywood gearing up for the biggest night in film, the Academy Awards are once again at the center of controversy.
The latest uproar? The decision to include Whoopi Goldberg as a presenter at the 97th Oscars has sparked backlash,
with some viewers calling for a boycott of the event altogether.
The Academy Unveils Star-Studded Presenter Lineup
As the March 2 ceremony approaches, The Academy has been rolling out the names of this year’s presenters.
Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the 2025 Oscars will see an impressive lineup of Hollywood stars take the stage to present awards.
The latest round of announced presenters includes Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Elle Fanning, Scarlett Johansson, John Lithgow, Amy Poehler, Bowen Yang, June Squibb, and Whoopi Goldberg. They will join previously confirmed presenters, including last year’s acting winners: Cillian Murphy, Emma Stone, Robert Downey Jr., and Da’Vine Joy Randolph.
While this mix of Hollywood veterans and rising stars would typically generate excitement, not all fans were pleased—especially with Goldberg’s inclusion.
Fans React with Disappointment and Criticism
As soon as The Academy shared the list, social media erupted with reactions, and not all of them were positive. Some fans expressed general disappointment with the choices, while others took direct aim at Goldberg.
“All of those names are filth,” one critic wrote bluntly. Another dismissed the entire group, saying, “I’m yawning at the list now. What a joke of a lineup.”
Goldberg, in particular, was the target of several negative comments.
“EW Whoopi,” one person simply commented, while another remarked, “Wow, Goldberg hasn’t been at the Oscars in quite some time.”
Others went further, questioning why she was given a presenter role in the first place.
“After all Whoopi Goldberg’s BS, she’s really still presenting? Already sick of the Hollywood elite, but come on,” one user vented. “They’ll be broke in another 10 years.”
Another critic declared, “Definitely not watching anything with Whoopi Goldberg.”
Whoopi Goldberg’s Complicated History with The Academy
Goldberg is no stranger to the Oscars stage. A celebrated actress, comedian, and talk show host, she won an Academy Award for Ghost in 1991 and later became the first Black woman to host the Oscars in 1994. She went on to host the ceremony three more times, cementing her place in the show’s history.
However, in recent years, Goldberg has found herself at the center of multiple controversies, particularly for comments made on The View, the talk show she co-hosts. Some of her statements have drawn criticism from audiences, leading to a divide in public opinion.
While Goldberg still has a strong fan base, there’s no denying that her inclusion as a presenter has struck a nerve with some viewers.
Will the Backlash Affect the Oscars?
It’s not unusual for the Oscars to face controversy—whether it’s over nominees, winners, or even the choice of hosts and presenters. In recent years, the ceremony has struggled with declining ratings, and some critics argue that The Academy’s decisions, including presenter selections, contribute to this trend.
Despite the backlash, it remains to be seen whether the call for a boycott will have any real impact on viewership numbers. The Oscars continue to be one of the most prestigious events in entertainment, drawing millions of viewers each year.
The Academy is also expected to announce more presenters in the coming weeks, which could either shift the focus away from the controversy or add to the growing criticism.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Whoopi Goldberg as a presenter at the 2025 Oscars has stirred debate among movie fans, with some voicing their frustration and even calling for a boycott. While The Academy remains firm in its choices, the backlash highlights the growing divide between Hollywood elites and certain segments of the audience.
As the big night approaches, the question remains: Will the controversy fizzle out, or will it have a lasting impact on this year’s Oscars? Only time will tell.
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