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The scene grew more uncomfortable when the camera cut to Carla Gasan, and Saldaña's emotional breakdown continued. Critics pointed out that such performances sometimes feel disconnected from the realities of everyday people, especially given the exorbitant cost of Oscar-worthy gowns and jewelry, which many see as symbols of Hollywood’s detachment from common struggles.

The Land Acknowledgment and the Culture Shift

In a rare moment of acknowledgment, the Oscars began with a land acknowledgment recognizing the indigenous peoples—the Tongva, Tovaivam, and Chum—whose lands host the ceremony. While praising this gesture, some critics argued it was performative, particularly given the hypocrisy of the event itself—costly, glamorous, and disconnected from the land’s original stewards.