Trans actress Karla Sofia Gascón is under fire after racist and misogynistic tweets were unearthed, threatening her chances of winning the Best Actress Oscar. The controversy has sparked a heated debate about awards season mud-slinging and the responsibility of Netflix for elevating Emilia Pérez to Oscar heavyweight status.
Gascón’s tweets, posted between 2016 and 2023, contain Islamophobic language and derogatory remarks about minorities. Despite being largely unknown outside her home country until her nomination, Gascón’s social media presence has been a subject of concern. Her defenders claim that some tweets were taken out of context or misunderstood, but critics argue that the damage is done.
The scandal has tarnished any coup for trans representation that Pérez’s nomination can claim. Netflix, which bought the film for $12 million following its success at Cannes, is taking steps to distance itself from Gascón, removing her name from Oscar ads and halting campaigning efforts. The Academy is now mulling over whether to disqualify Gascón due to her tweets.
As the Oscars approach, it’s unclear if Pérez can overcome this scandal. Her chances of winning major categories have taken a hit, and some critics argue that Gascón’s presence in the Best Actress category is an insult to the trans community. The controversy serves as a reminder of the responsibility of awards campaigns and the importance of due diligence when vetting nominees.
In a rare moment of self-awareness, Netflix has acknowledged its role in amplifying Gascón’s nomination. However, it may be too little, too late to salvage Pérez’s chances. As the Oscars draw near, one thing is certain: Karla Sofia Gascón’s racist tweets will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/racist-misogynistic-transgender-actress-destroying-171500341.html