The highly acclaimed musical film “Emilia Pérez,” directed by Jacques Audiard, has become embroiled in controversy despite its numerous awards nominations and accolades. The movie’s star, Karla Sofía Gascón, has faced backlash for old tweets that have sparked criticism about her trans representation and nuanced portrayal of Mexican culture.
“Emilia Pérez” debuted at the Cannes Film Festival last May to mixed but generally favorable reviews. The film tells the story of a Mexican drug lord who undergoes gender-affirming surgery and reconnects with her children after her ex-wife’s passing. While the film’s supporters praised its audacity, critics have taken issue with its depiction of Spanish accents, simplistic treatment of drug violence in Mexico, and perceived inauthenticity.
Gascón faced further backlash when old tweets surfaced in late January, which included derogatory comments about Muslims, George Floyd, and China. She apologized for her past statements, stating that she has “suffered” as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and fights for a better world.
The controversy surrounding Gascón’s past comments has raised questions about whether “Emilia Pérez” can overcome its detractors to win the Best Actress Oscar. While some films have weathered controversies on their way to Oscar glory, such as “Green Book,” it remains to be seen how much damage the backlash will do to “Emilia Pérez”‘s chances.
Oscar voting is set to begin on February 11, and several ceremonies before the Oscars may provide clues about which film emerges as a frontrunner. With the Best Picture and International Film categories already in contention, “Emilia Pérez” faces significant competition from other nominees, including “Wicked,” “Anora,” and “Conclave.”
Source: https://apnews.com/article/emilia-perez-oscars-backlash-eb75830df1d413779daacc331cd2b8e6