The Academy Awards have become a battleground for online outrage, with Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez” star Karla Sofía Gascón caught in the crossfire. The 52-year-old actress was nominated for an Oscar last month, but her social media history has resurfaced, sparking controversy and damaging her campaign.
Gascón faced backlash after old tweets surfaced, denigrating Muslims, calling George Floyd a “drug-addicted con artist,” and criticizing the diverse winners of the 2021 Oscars. Netflix apologized for Gascón’s behavior, but she refused to back down, embarking on a defiant media blitz that has imperiled both her career and the film’s awards chances.
The controversy is part of a larger trend in Oscar season, where online outrage can quickly turn against contenders like “Emilia Pérez.” Industry insiders say liberal voters who were supporting the film’s trans-empowerment narrative may now be hesitant to support Gascón due to her old tweets.
In response to the backlash, Netflix has shifted its campaign focus to co-star Zoe Saldaña, an industry favorite for the supporting actress Oscar. However, it remains unclear how this will affect “Emilia Pérez”‘ best-picture chances.
Gascón’s decision to skip the Critics Choice Awards and Producers Guild Awards, citing a lack of support from Netflix, has further damaged her campaign. Her future appearances at other events, including the Oscars ceremony, are uncertain due to the cost being covered by Netflix.
The Gascón controversy highlights the need for greater scrutiny in award campaigns, as well as more effective strategies for handling social media controversies. The incident serves as a warning to industry professionals that their blind spots can be exposed and have real-world consequences.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/05/movies/emilia-perez-oscars-scandal.html