Getty Images
The Unveiling of Controversial Social Media Remarks
The recent uncovering of inflammatory social media posts by actress Karla Sofía Gascón about George Floyd, Islam, and the Oscars has sparked a significant controversy. This social media backlash may jeopardize the film ‘Emilia Pérez’s’ opportunities at the 2025 Academy Awards.
Gascón achieved groundbreaking history by becoming the first trans woman nominated for Best Actress. Prior to this week, there was a realistic chance she might win, but now even film critic Wendy Ide from The Observer suggests that “Karla Sofía Gascón won’t be winning anything.”
As a transgender Mexican drug lord-turned-philanthropist in Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez, Gascón had been favored to win the biggest Oscars prizes. The film, which received 13 nominations, had been a frontrunner for the Best Picture award. Nevertheless, the latest revelations introduce a more significant hurdle for the film’s success.
Netflix
Earlier this week, Gascón, in an interview, accused the social media team working with Fernanda Torres, who was also nominated for Best Actress for I’m Still Here, of attacking Emilia Pérez and her. She later clarified that she was commenting on the general toxicity and hate speech on social media. However, the initial statement left the impression of an attack against a competitor.
The subsequent revelation of Gascón’s X (formerly Twitter) posts, including numerous offensive remarks about George Floyd, Chinese people, Muslim women, and Islam, added fuel to the fire. Gascón also commented negatively on the 2021 Oscars, criticising the ceremony for looking more like a protest event than a celebration of the film industry.
The irony is that Gascón’s film Emilia Pérez, by offering a sympathetic portrayal of a transgender protagonist, had appealed to voters largely due to its progressive stance. However, the anti-diversity sentiments expressed in her posts are anything but progressive.
Gascón’s apology, acknowledging the pain she caused, did little to repair the damage. Film critic Wendy Ide from The Observer states, “I would now be very surprised if Emilia Pérez wins Best Picture.”
The controversy extends beyond the Best Actress category. Gascón’s involvement may harm Emilia Pérez’s chances in other categories as well. Ed Potton, an arts editor from The Times, suggests that once the film’s liberal credentials are compromised, they may be difficult to regain.
Other nominees, including Zoe Saldaña, who plays a supporting role alongside Gascón, may also face repercussions. Saldaña has strongly condemned Gascón’s offensive posts, expressing her stance on inclusivity and collaboration within the film industry.
The scandal is part of a broader trend of controversies surrounding Oscar nominees this year. Other contestants, such as Fernanda Torres and the makers of The Brutalist, have faced similar backlash. These issues raise questions about the ethics and conduct of nominees in the arts industry.
Historically, off-screen scandals have greatly influenced the outcomes of award ceremonies. The controversy surrounding Harvey Weinstein in 1999 affected his nominated film, The Wrestler, while Paul Newman’s reputation contributed to his victory for The Color of Money in 1987. In light of this, Gascón’s social media gaffe may shift the focus away from Emilia Pérez‘s artistic merits.
As the Oscars approach, the unprecedented instances of off-screen scandals threaten to overshadow the artistic accomplishments of this year’s nominees. The industry stands at a crossroads, facing the challenge of balancing the quality of the films with the personal conduct of their creators.
The events surrounding Gascón’s controversy illustrate the often complex relationship between personal behavior and professional success in the film industry. It