Elliott's views on acting are deeply rooted in authenticity and respect for the craft. He believes that authentic acting comes from lived experience and a genuine understanding of the characters being portrayed. This philosophy has led him to criticize actors who he believes lack depth or sincerity. In his view, the essence of the cowboy is not just a costume but a way of life, and he has little patience for those who see it as mere acting.

One of Elliott's most notable criticisms came in 2021 when he criticized Benedict Cumberbatch's performance in The Power of the Dog. He called the film a "gimmicky misfire" and criticized Cumberbatch's portrayal of a cowboy as "pretentious". Elliott questioned the authenticity of a British actor attempting to capture the essence of the American West, expressing skepticism that Cumberbatch could capture the harsh realities of cowboy life. His comments sparked a backlash, with critics accusing him of controlling the genre.

Elliott's disdain for Nicolas Cage stems from his belief in the power of restraint in acting. He sees Cage's acting as chaotic and dramatic, lacking the subtlety that Elliott values. During their collaboration on Ghost Rider, Elliott kept a polite distance, viewing Cage's style as more about effect than substance. He once remarked that Cage was "more like fireworks than fire," suggesting he preferred a quieter, more introspective style of acting.

When it comes to Kevin Costner, Elliott sees a refined version of the Western that does not mesh with his understanding of authenticity. He criticized Costner's portrayal in Yellowstone, saying it was more "dressed up" than a true reflection of ranch life. Elliott felt Costner's approach was too stiff, lacking the roughness and grit that he believed characterized authentic cowboy culture. He even turned down a cameo in Yellowstone, referring to the film as a “cowboy-hat soap opera.”

Jared Leto’s over-the-top method acting did not escape Elliott’s scrutiny. He found Leto’s antics, such as sending rats to his co-stars and playing the part in real life, to be more showy than sincere. Elliott believed that authentic acting should come from humility and authenticity, not from stunts designed to attract attention. Although they never worked together, Elliott reportedly backed out of a project Leto had been involved in, quietly expressing his disapproval.

While working with Ashton Kutcher on Netflix's The Ranch, Elliott remained professional but expressed skepticism about Kutcher's acting ability. He saw Kutcher's celebrity as emblematic of a Hollywood culture that values glamour over depth. While Kutcher publicly praised Elliott, insiders noted palpable tension on set, with Elliott reportedly commenting that Kutcher acted "like a guy who watches acting on YouTube."

Elliott's criticism of The Power of the Dog was directed at director Jane Campion, whom he accused of misreading cowboy culture. Campion did not take Elliott's comments lightly, firing back in her acceptance speech, calling him "a little..." and challenging his authority on what constitutes a "real cowboy." The exchange highlighted the philosophical divide between Elliott’s traditionalist views and the more inclusive storytelling approaches adopted by contemporary filmmakers.

Elliott’s relationship with Jeff Bridges has also experienced tensions over the years. Despite their initial close friendship, Elliott has expressed frustration with Bridges’ shift to a more polished Hollywood image following his Oscar win. He laments the loss of a kindred spirit, arguing that success should not change a person’s core values. The growing distance between them is a poignant reminder of the challenges of maintaining authenticity in an industry often driven by fame and image.