Smug Elitists at Oscars, and What Zelensky Really Did Leading to Oval Blow Up, with Andrew Klavan, Link Lauren, and Christian Toto | Ep. 1017
Mar 3, 2025
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Link Lauren, a social commentator, Christian Toto, Hollywood in Toto host, and Andrew Klavan, conservative author, dive into the Oscars' elitism and cultural disconnect. They discuss celebrity hypocrisy, including tension between Oprah and Whoopi, and critique Hollywood's focus on social justice that clashes with actual activism. Klavan unpacks the diplomatic fallout from Zelensky's meeting with Trump and the media's misrepresentation of events. They also touch on Andrew Cuomo's controversial bid for NYC mayor and how leadership failures are shaping public sentiment.
The Oscars reflect cultural dynamics, revealing tensions around representation and Hollywood's relationship with 'woke' values amidst social issues.
Celebrity virtue signaling was critiqued for its disconnect from genuine advocacy, exemplified by Selena Gomez's contrasting lifestyle and statements on social justice.
The meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelensky highlighted diplomatic tensions, with the interaction shifting from respectful discourse to confrontation.
Public opinion is shifting towards skepticism regarding military support for Ukraine, indicating a desire for more balanced foreign policy strategies.
Deep dives
Political Fallout from the Trump-Zelensky Meeting
The meeting between President Trump and President Zelensky has triggered significant political fallout, both domestically and internationally. Various reactions have emerged, particularly from the left, emphasizing the tensions during the discussion. Observers noted that Zelensky publicly challenged Trump multiple times, which many consider an inappropriate move given the context and stakes involved. Additionally, the meeting's atmosphere appears to have shifted from respectful discourse to a more confrontational exchange, raising questions about diplomatic decorum and strategy during high-stakes discussions.
Academy Awards Commentary and Cultural Reflections
The Academy Awards were analyzed not just as an event highlighting cinematic achievements, but also as a reflection of current cultural dynamics. The ceremonies illustrated ongoing tensions regarding representation and the influence of 'woke' culture on the film industry. Some notable moments included the absence of nominations for certain films that didn't meet specific diversity criteria, and the perceived absurdity of Hollywood’s self-congratulation amidst social issues. This commentary connected the awards to larger questions about what constitutes cinema, storytelling, and the cultural touchstones of today's society.
Celebrity Virtue Signaling and Hypocrisy
A notable theme discussed involved the tendency of celebrities to engage in virtue signaling, often juxtaposed with their lavish lifestyles. The conversation highlighted specific examples, such as affluent celebrities advocating for social justice while simultaneously living in luxury. Selena Gomez's public statements about immigrant experiences were met with criticism due to her opulent lifestyle, contrasted against her expressions of solidarity. This dichotomy prompted questions about genuine advocacy versus performative activism in contemporary celebrity culture.
Controversial Moments at the Oscars
The Oscars featured several controversial moments that raised eyebrows and drew commentary on the nature of celebrity behavior. Critics pointed out instances where celebrities, like Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey, seemed to detract from the honor of others while attempting to center the narrative on themselves. The conversation also pointed out how some attendees chose provocative outfits, leading to discussions on appropriateness and decency at high-profile events. This examination questioned the evolving standards of Hollywood and whether they align with broader societal expectations.
Discussion of the Transgender Agenda in Media
Another point of contention was the representation of transgender issues in film and the evaluations of movies that align with the current cultural agenda. Some characters were framed as exemplars of contemporary views on gender identity, yet this portrayal was critiqued for not necessarily reflecting a nuanced understanding of these complexities. The acceptance of films focused on such themes indicates a push toward mainstream acceptance, but it also raises questions regarding the implications for both storytelling and audience reception. Ultimately, the discourse here confronted the intersection of art, identity, and social justice movements.
Analyzing the Role of Hollywood in Global Affairs
Hollywood's influence over cultural narratives extends into international politics, as seen in reactions to geopolitical issues such as the Ukraine conflict. Celebrities and influencers were critiqued for their comments regarding significant global events, often perceived as lacking depth or awareness of underlying geopolitical realities. This analysis examined how Hollywood's self-congratulatory tendencies relate to broader discussions surrounding accountability and the responsibilities of influential figures when addressing serious matters. The discourse argued that Hollywood's bubble disconnects them from the lived realities of everyday people and the complexities of world affairs.
Public Response to Political Maneuvering
Public opinion appears to be shifting as more Americans express dissatisfaction with ongoing military support without substantial results. Polls indicated growing skepticism towards the effectiveness of current strategies and a desire for more grounded dialogue, with an increasing number suggesting that negotiations be prioritized over continued military involvement. The emerging consensus highlighted a shift in the electorate's willingness to engage with past policies, raising questions about the political ramifications for leaders like Trump, Zelensky, and their respective parties. This changing landscape suggests that the electorate seeks accountability and a reevaluation of foreign policy strategies moving forward.
Megyn Kelly is joined by Link Lauren, influencer and commentator, and Christian Toto, host of "Hollywood in Toto" podcast, to talk about the smug elitists at the Oscars, Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg having some tension on stage together, Selena Gomez going to crying about immigrants to going glitzy at the Oscars, the "Anora" Oscars winners celebrating "sex workers," what it means that a Palestinian movie about Gaza won Best Documentary, actors auditioning for their next part by saying the "right" things, and more. Then The Daily Wire's Andrew Klavan, host of "The Andrew Klavan Show," joins to discuss how the Oscars symbolized the death of art, Hollywood's hostility on display toward most Americans, how talented people are trapped in a dead-end philosophy, what President Zelensky did to provoke the reaction he got from President Trump and VP Vance, the way the corporate media has misrepresented the interaction, what we know about Democratic senators urging Zelensky to reconsider the deal just hours before he sat with Trump, the absurdity of the media’s false narrative about the Zelensky-Trump meeting, the left's ongoing push to compare Trump to Zelensky, Trump’s actual long-term strategy for Ukraine, Andrew Cuomo trying to become NYC mayor despite his disgraced end to his time as New York governor, his role in nursing home deaths during COVID, and more.
