Netflix has distanced itself from karla Sofía Gascón, the spanish actress adn protagonist of the critically acclaimed film Emilia Pérez, following the resurfacing of offensive social media posts. The move comes as the streaming giant seeks to salvage the film’s Oscar campaign, which has been overshadowed by the controversy. Gascón, who made history as the first openly transgender person nominated for an Academy Award, had been a central figure in the promotional campaign for the narco-musical, which garnered 13 Oscar nominations this year, more than any other film [[1]].
The controversy erupted last week when old posts from Gascón’s social media accounts surfaced, including one in which she described Islam as an “infection” and “deeply revolting.” Other posts mocked efforts to promote diversity, China, and even George Floyd, whose murder in 2020 sparked widespread protests across the United States.the 52-year-old actress initially apologized in a statement issued by Netflix and deactivated her X account, but later attempted to defend herself publicly [[1]].
In response, Netflix swiftly altered its promotional strategy. By Tuesday, the streaming giant’s awards campaign website for Emilia Pérez featured only a photograph of Zoe Saldana, who is also nominated for Best Supporting Actress this year. Gascón will no longer attend key events, including the Choice Awards Gala, as originally planned [[2]].Directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, Emilia Pérez tells the story of a Mexican drug trafficker who transitions to a woman and leaves her criminal past behind. Despite its critical acclaim, the film has faced backlash for its portrayal of Mexico, its handling of sensitive topics like the drug war and disappearances, and its depiction of the trans community. Additionally, the use of artificial intelligence to enhance Gascón’s vocal range in musical scenes has drawn criticism [[3]].
The controversy has cast a shadow over what was poised to be a triumphant awards season for Emilia Pérez. As Netflix navigates the fallout, the film’s Oscar prospects remain uncertain, with the streaming giant opting to focus its campaign on other cast members.
Key Points Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Film | Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard |
| Nominations | 13 Oscar nominations, the most of any film this year |
| Controversy | Karla Sofía Gascón’s offensive social media posts |
| Netflix’s Response | Removed Gascón from promotional materials; focused on Zoe Saldana |
| Criticism | Portrayal of Mexico, trans community, and use of AI in musical scenes |
As the Oscars approach, the industry watches closely to see how this controversy will impact the film’s chances. For now, Netflix’s decision to distance itself from Gascón underscores the delicate balance between artistic achievement and public accountability in Hollywood’s awards season.
