nKarla Sofía Gascón Makes History with Groundbreaking Role in ‘Emilia Pérez’
in the world of cinema, few stories resonate as deeply as those that challenge societal norms and push boundaries. Karla Sofía Gascón, a Spanish actress, has done just that with her groundbreaking role in the musical film Emilia Pérez. At 52, Gascón has not only captivated audiences but also made history as the first openly trans person to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress.
A Dream Role Decades in the Making
Table of Contents
- Jared Leto, Rambo, and the dual Role of a Lifetime in “Emilia Pérez”
- Interview wiht Karla Sofía Gascón: Breaking Barriers in Emilia Pérez
- Q: Karla, your role in Emilia Pérez is groundbreaking. Can you tell us about the challenges of portraying both Manitas and Emilia?
- Q: How did you prepare for the role of Manitas, who you described as a mix of Jared leto and John Rambo?
- Q: The film has been praised for its bold storytelling but also criticized for perpetuating stereotypes.How do you respond to that?
- Q: You made history as the first openly trans actress to receive an Oscar nomination.What does this mean to you and the LGBTQ+ community?
- Q: The film is now streaming on Netflix. What do you hope audiences take away from Emilia Pérez?
- Q: what’s next for you after this historic achievement?
- Conclusion
For Gascón, the role of Manitas del Monte, a ruthless cartel boss who undergoes a gender transition to become Emilia Pérez, was more than just a part—it was a dream. “It took 30 years to find a role like this. I will never do it again,” she told TT. Born in Spain in 1972 as Juan carlos Gascón, she made her film debut in 1995 and has since appeared in numerous films and TV series. Despite her success, she always felt like a woman in a man’s body. At 46,she decided to transition,a decision that would change her life forever.
Overcoming Fear and Adversity
Transitioning in the public eye was not without its challenges. “My wife asked me, ‘What will happen now, what will you do, what will happen to us?’ I could only say that ‘this goes beyond anything I’ve done before,'” Gascón shared. She faced harassment and even death threats simply for existing.Yet, she persevered, driven by her passion for acting and her desire to live authentically.
The Story of emilia Pérez
In Emilia Pérez, Gascón stars alongside Zoe Saldana, who plays Rita Moro Castro, a lawyer kidnapped by the feared cartel boss Manitas. Manitas, married with children, confides in Rita about his desire to undergo gender confirmation surgery. Rita is tasked with finding the best surgeon in the world to perform the operation. The film then jumps forward four years, where Rita encounters Emilia Pérez, a lawyer who is revealed to be the former Manitas, now seeking to reconnect with her children.The film is a genre-defying mix of musical numbers, dramatic twists, and intense action sequences. “At first, they wanted me to only play Emilia,” Gascón revealed. “I worked every day to convince them that I could do both roles. And I knew my voice could be deep in the role of Manitas.”
A Historic Achievement
Gascón’s performance in Emilia Pérez has been lauded by critics, earning her a shared Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival last year. her Oscar nomination is a milestone not just for her career but for the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. as the first openly trans actress to receive such recognition, Gascón has paved the way for greater depiction in Hollywood.
Key Highlights of Karla Sofía Gascón’s Journey
| Milestone | Details |
|——————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Birth | Born in Spain in 1972 as Juan Carlos Gascón |
| Film Debut | 1995 |
| Transition | Began transitioning at age 46 |
| Cannes Award | Shared Best Actress award at the 2024 cannes Film Festival |
| Oscar Nomination | First openly trans actress nominated for Best Actress in 2025 |
Karla Sofía Gascón’s journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of authenticity. As she continues to break barriers, her story serves as an inspiration to countless others striving to live their truth.
Jared Leto, Rambo, and the dual Role of a Lifetime in “Emilia Pérez”
Playing a dual role in a film is no small feat. For actress Gascón, portraying both Manitas and Emilia in the critically acclaimed Emilia Pérez was a journey filled with challenges and revelations. As Manitas, she had to cover her breasts, while as Emilia, she wore a corset to achieve a slimmer silhouette. “And since I am neither a dancer nor a singer, the musical numbers were not easy to do,” Gascón reveals.
Manitas, a character she describes as “a mix of Jared Leto and John Rambo,” required her to return to being a man—a transformation she found “vrey fun for a moment.” Reflecting on the experience, she laughs, “I now realized that there are more barriers for women—such as, it is easier to be a man when you have to go to the toilet!”
The Phenomenon of Emilia Pérez
Directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, Emilia Pérez is a French musical film with Spanish as its primary language.The movie has garnered notable attention, winning awards at prestigious events like Cannes and the Golden globes. It was also named one of 2024’s 10 Best Movies by the American Film Institute.
Despite its accolades, the film has polarized critics. While it received 13 Oscar nominations, including best International Film, it has also faced criticism for perpetuating stereotypes of Mexican culture and trans people.
Where to Watch
Emilia Pérez premiered in Norwegian cinemas on January 31 and has as been acquired by Netflix.The film is currently available for streaming in the US, UK, and Canada.| Key facts About Emilia Pérez |
|————————————|
| Director | jacques Audiard |
| Language | Spanish |
| Awards | Cannes, Golden Globes |
| Oscar Nominations | 13 |
| streaming Platform | Netflix |
A Film Worth Watching
Weather you’re drawn to its bold storytelling, its musical numbers, or its exploration of identity, Emilia Pérez is a cinematic experience that sparks conversation. Dive into the world of Manitas and emilia on Netflix today and see why this film has captivated audiences and critics alike.
Interview wiht Karla Sofía Gascón: Breaking Barriers in Emilia Pérez
Q: Karla, your role in Emilia Pérez is groundbreaking. Can you tell us about the challenges of portraying both Manitas and Emilia?
Karla Sofía Gascón: Absolutely. Playing dual roles was both exhilarating and demanding. As manitas,I had to physically transform myself—covering my breasts and adopting a more masculine demeanor.It was a fascinating experience because, for a moment, I felt like I was stepping back into a version of myself I had left behind. Conversely, Emilia required me to wear a corset to achieve a slimmer silhouette, wich was physically taxing. The musical numbers were particularly challenging since I’m neither a dancer nor a singer. But I embraced the process, and it was incredibly rewarding.
Q: How did you prepare for the role of Manitas, who you described as a mix of Jared leto and John Rambo?
Karla Sofía Gascón: [Laughs] Yes, Manitas is quite the character. I drew inspiration from Jared Leto’s intensity and John Rambo’s ruggedness. It was fun to explore that hyper-masculine energy, even if just for a moment. I had to revisit certain mannerisms and vocal tones that I hadn’t used in years. It was a playful challenge, but it also made me reflect on the differences in how society treats men and women. As a notable example, I realized how much easier it is indeed to navigate public spaces as a man—like finding a restroom!
Q: The film has been praised for its bold storytelling but also criticized for perpetuating stereotypes.How do you respond to that?
Karla Sofía Gascón: Art is always open to interpretation, and I respect that. Emilia Pérez is a complex story that tackles themes of identity, transformation, and redemption. While some may see stereotypes,I believe the film humanizes its characters and sheds light on the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community,particularly trans individuals. It’s not a perfect portrayal, but it’s a step forward in creating visibility and sparking conversations.
Q: You made history as the first openly trans actress to receive an Oscar nomination.What does this mean to you and the LGBTQ+ community?
karla Sofía Gascón: It’s an incredible honor and a milestone not just for me but for the entire LGBTQ+ community. This nomination is a testament to the progress we’ve made, but it also highlights how much work still needs to be done. I hope my journey inspires others to live authentically and pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. Representation matters, and I’m proud to be part of this change.
Q: The film is now streaming on Netflix. What do you hope audiences take away from Emilia Pérez?
Karla Sofía Gascón: I hope viewers are moved by the story and its characters. Whether it’s the musical numbers, the dramatic twists, or the exploration of identity, there’s something in this film for everyone. Above all, I want people to see the humanity in Emilia and Manitas—to understand that everyone deserves a chance to live their truth and find redemption.
Q: what’s next for you after this historic achievement?
Karla sofía Gascón: I’m excited to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new roles. I want to work on projects that challenge me and contribute to greater representation in the industry. This is just the beginning, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.
Conclusion
Karla Sofía Gascón’s journey in Emilia Pérez is a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity and representation in cinema. Her groundbreaking performance as both Manitas and Emilia has not only earned critical acclaim but also paved the way for greater inclusion in Hollywood. As the first openly trans actress to receive an Oscar nomination, Gascón’s story is an inspiration to countless individuals striving to live their truth. Be sure to watch Emilia Pérez on Netflix and experience this cinematic masterpiece for yourself.
