The big controversy around Oscar Awards 2025; here's all about it

With Hollywood preparing for the eagerly awaited 2025 Oscars, drama has been circulating about some of this year's contenders for the Oscar, setting up a disorganized build-up to what ought to be the most glamorous night of the year, as per a report.

Karla Sofia Gascon faces backlash

Karla Sofia Gascon, the very first transgender actress nominated for Best Actress for her performance in 'Emilia Perez', has not only made history with her nomination but also stirred up controversy, reported The Sun.

Gascon, who acts out a drug lord who is going through gender reassignment, became embroiled in a scandal when racist tweets she had posted years before came back to haunt her, as per the report. These tweets, including incendiary remarks regarding George Floyd and Adolf Hitler, sparked outrage, as per The Sun report.


Even after a lacklustre apology, chances at the Best Actress Oscar now appear unlikely. Fanning the flames, Gascon stated that some attacks on her came from competing camps, specifically those representing fellow nominee Fernanda Torres, as per the report.

Scandals spark controversy

Gascon's tale is not the only one dominating the headlines. The Best Picture race has also been tainted by its own set of controversies. According to The Sun, the movie 'The Brutalist', which was a top contender, has been criticized for using AI to manipulate actors' accents, even though the director has claimed that the actors' performances were genuine.

The film’s leading star, Adrien Brody, also found himself in hot water after it emerged that he had worn dreadlock wigs and participated in a “blackface” controversy during a 2003 Saturday Night Live appearance.

Meanwhile, 'I’m Still Here' nominee Fernanda Torres faced her own scandal, with the Brazilian actress apologizing for blacking up in a comedy sketch from 20 years ago, reported The Sun.

Hollywood’s dirty tricks campaigns?

A wave of "dirty tricks" rumours emanating from opposing campaigns has also fueled the controversy. Some suspect that Gascon's detractors are part of a coordinated effort to torpedo her Oscar prospects, especially after her movie 'Emilia Perez' was also panned for its depiction of Mexican drug cartels as being disrespectful to many in the Mexican community, as per the report.

A wider discussion of the Academy and its decisions

The scandal has opened more questions than answers regarding the way the Academy will approach these intricate matters.

With several movies under fire from all parts of the world, the Academy has been placed in a challenging position. For instance, 'Conclave', a British-made papal drama on a secret conclave to choose a new pope, has sparked outrage from Catholic groups who claim the film satirizes the Church, as per The Sun. The fact that the film comes at a time when Pope Francis is in critical health, Academy voters might decide against choosing a movie which could upset the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, reported The Dun.

FAQs

Who is Karla Sofia Gascon?
Karla Sofia Gascon is the first transgender actress ever to be nominated for Best Actress at the 2025 Oscars for her performance in Emilia Perez.

What is the controversy around 'The Brutalist'?
The Brutalist has been criticized for its use of AI to alter actors' accents, reported The Sun. But director Brady Corbet insisted the performance was genuine.