The film "Emilia Pérez" has become a focal point of discussion at the 2025 Oscars, with its impressive 13 nominations drawing both praise and controversy. At the center of attention is Karla Sofía Gascón, who has made history as the first openly trans actor to receive an Oscar nomination. Despite the accolades, the film and its team face significant criticism over various issues, from past comments to portrayal concerns.
Karla Sofía Gascón finds herself embroiled in a social media scandal due to resurfaced tweets containing Islamophobic and racist remarks. These posts, highlighted by writer Sarah Hagi on X, led Gascón to delete her account and issue a public apology. However, she stands firm in her decision not to renounce her Oscar nomination amidst the backlash.
"I have no reason to renounce because anyone who wants to set me aside because they think that way, I only ask them to be truthful, justly and absolutely prove that I have written something with the intent to harm or that it has a meaning because I am the way they are saying," said Karla Sofía Gascón.
"Because if that is not the case, and the world we live in is going to be very difficult to recover," she added.
The controversy extends beyond Gascón's social media history. The film's director, Jacques Audiard, has faced backlash for his previous comments about the Spanish language and for the film's depiction of Mexican cartels and their victims. Audiard defended his creative direction, emphasizing that his work was never intended to be a realistic portrayal.
"It seems I'm being attacked in the court of realism," Audiard noted.
"I've never claimed that I wanted to make a realistic work. If I wanted to make a work that was particularly documented, then I would do a documentary, but then there would be no singing and dancing," he explained.
Despite these controversies, "Emilia Pérez" has garnered multiple prestigious awards, including four Golden Globes, three Critics Choice Awards, two BAFTAs, and one SAG Award. However, its portrayal of the trans community has drawn criticism from LGBTQ advocates who argue it recycles outdated stereotypes.
Critic Julie River, who identifies as trans, has defended the film against such accusations.
"It does not depict trans women as liars," River asserted.
The film's portrayal of trans people remains a contentious topic. Gascón herself addressed her past comments, attributing them to feeling "lost in her transition" and seeking approval from others.
"As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain," Gascón expressed.
"All my life I have fought for a better world. I believe light will always triumph over darkness," she continued.
The film's cast members, including Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez, have publicly defended both Gascón and the film. Saldaña expressed her disappointment over the ongoing situation.
"I'm sad. Time and time again, that's the word, because that is the sentiment that has been living in my chest since everything happened," Saldaña lamented.
"I'm also disappointed. I can't speak for other people's actions. All I can attest to is my experience, and never in a million years did I ever believe that we would be here," she added.
Selena Gomez maintained her support amidst the controversy.
"But I choose to continue to be proud of what I've done, and I'm just grateful," Gomez stated.
Audiard credited Gascón with contributing significantly to the film's script, praising her as a "powerful educator." Yet, he acknowledged the complexity of the situation surrounding her comments and the subsequent fallout.
"She's talking about herself as a victim, which is surprising," Audiard remarked.
"It's as if she thought that words don't hurt," he noted.
