Hollywood has long mirrored America’s shifting political sentiment, with the annual Oscars often serving as a platform for their political expression. This year, however, those anticipating sharp criticism of Donald Trump would have been disappointed. Much like Silicon Valley, where tech moguls have adjusted to the new political landscape, Hollywood, too, may be coming to terms with the conservative revolution reshaping America. The entertainment industry, which once championed progressive causes and openly opposed Trump, is now displaying signs of pragmatic accommodation.

What stood out even more was the triumph of Anora, a Russian-themed film that walked away with five Oscars, including Best Picture. The nomination of Russian actor Yura Borisov for Best Supporting Actor — although he did not win — sparked considerable excitement in Moscow, reinforcing the Kremlin’s evolving optimism toward Trump’s presidency. Over the past few years, Russian elites have decried what they saw as a Western attempt to “cancel” Russian culture, particularly in the wake of Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The recognition of Borisov’s acting skills provided a much-needed reassurance that Russian cultural influence still carries weight in the West. After all, few in the world remain indifferent to Hollywood’s nod of approval.

This shift in cultural perception dovetails with Trump’s evolving stance on Russia. His rhetoric and actions on Ukraine, NATO and Europe have been music to President Vladimir Putin’s ears. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who for years revelled in lambasting the West, has now begun speaking of Trump as a “pragmatist.” Lavrov even praised Trump’s “policy of common sense,” which, he argued, opens the door for constructive engagement between Washington and Moscow.

Trump’s openness to Russia was underscored by his recent public appreciation of Moscow’s role in World War........

© Indian Express