Emilia Perez controversy explained: Is it out of Oscars 2025? What is scandal surrounding Karla Sofia Gascon?

Rarely has a film fallen from favour so quickly: after gaining a record number of Oscar nominations for a foreign-language movie, narco-musical "Emilia Perez" has become embroiled in scandal linked to past social media posts by star Karla Sofia Gascon, as per a report.


Gascon, the first transgender woman Oscar nominee for best actress, has seen her path to glory seriously compromised by her posts about Islam, US anti-racism protests, and even the Oscars themselves which she called an "ugly gala", AFP reported.



From being a symbol of diversity embraced by Hollywood, she has risked alienating left-leaning members of the Academy who decide the Oscar winners -- despite her apologies and insistence that she is "not a racist".


On Tuesday, Hollywood trade outlets reported that distributor Netflix, which was banking on "Emilia Perez" for its first best picture Oscar, had dropped the 52-year-old from its campaign and distanced itself from the best actress nominee.


A Netflix web page promoting the film "for your awards consideration" contained an image of Zoe Saldana, the movie's best supporting actress nominee.


At a peak moment in Hollywood's award season, Gascon will also no longer attend events including Friday's Critics Choice Awards gala as scheduled, trade magazines reported.


Contacted by AFP, Netflix declined to comment.


The mostly Spanish-language movie that was filmed in France and set in Mexico was nominated for 13 Oscars, as well as 11 BAFTAs, Britain's equivalent to the Oscars, and 12 Cesars in France.


It picked up four Golden Globes in January, including for best comedy or musical.


Oscars 2025 Scenario


Critics now are wondering how much the off-screen controversies will affect the results of the Oscars when they are announced on March 2. Scandals have not always prevented films from going on to enjoy success.


"Green Book," a 2018 drama based on the real-life story of a Black musician and his white driver in the 1960s Deep South, was widely condemned for perpetuating "white savior" stereotypes.


A tweet also surfaced during Oscars campaigning, in which one of the movie's producers expressed support for false claims that Muslims were celebrating in New Jersey following the 9/11 terror attacks.

It went on to win best picture.

FAQs

Q1. How many nominations Emilia Perez secured?
A1. Emilia Perez is the mostly Spanish-language movie that was filmed in France and set in Mexico was nominated for 13 Oscars, as well as 11 BAFTAs, Britain's equivalent to the Oscars, and 12 Cesars in France.

Q2. What does Netflix say?
A2. A Netflix web page promoting the film "for your awards consideration" contained an image of Zoe Saldana, the movie's best supporting actress nominee.