Karla Sofía Gascón was poised to make history not only with her groundbreaking nomination but potentially with a win at this year’s Oscars. However, recent revelations have cast a long shadow over her chances. “I think we can safely say that Karla Sofía Gascón won’t be winning anything,” stated Wendy Ide, film critic for The Observer, in a BBC interview.
Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, depicts a trans Mexican drug lord turned philanthropist. It initially received acclaim and was a frontrunner for several top awards, including Best Picture. Yet, Gascón’s past social media activity, which included insensitive comments on sensitive subjects such as George Floyd and Islam, has sparked intense backlash.
Controversy Beyond the Tweets
The controversy isn’t just about the tweets. Gascón also indirectly attacked her Oscar competition in a manner many viewed as unbecoming of an award nominee. She later tried to clarify her statements, claiming her criticisms were aimed at the broader issue of social media toxicity. Despite her attempt at clarification, the damage was already apparent.
Adding to the film’s challenges, some Mexican commentators have criticized Audiard’s depiction of Mexico and the lack of Mexican talent involved in the production, which primarily took place near Paris.
Impact on the Oscars Race
This isn’t just a setback for Gascón; Emilia Pérez itself faces diminished prospects across multiple categories. “I would now be very surprised if Emilia Pérez won best picture, and this time last week it felt like a strong contender,” Ide added.
Furthermore, Gascón’s co-star, Zoe Saldaña, might also feel the repercussions. Saldaña, nominated for Best Supporting Actress, expressed her dismay at a recent Q&A, emphasizing her commitment to inclusivity and equity, distancing herself from the negativity surrounding her co-star.
The Broader Picture in Hollywood
This incident sheds light on the broader dynamics at play during awards season, where external factors often influence the outcomes as much as the performances themselves. Past controversies have similarly shifted Oscar odds, reflecting both the evolving standards and the impact of social media in amplifying scandals.
Looking Ahead
As the industry navigates this scandal, the focus may shift towards safer, less controversial picks for the Oscars. Movies like Conclave and A Complete Unknown could benefit, perceived as unmarred by the controversies that have ensnared other frontrunners.
The situation underscores a volatile awards season where no candidate stands out as a definitive favorite, leaving the field wide open and the outcomes uncertain. As Hollywood prepares for its biggest night, the conversation may continue to focus as much on the nominees’ conduct as on their cinematic achievements.