How Emilia Perez Star Karla Sofia Gascón’s Old Tweets Destroyed Netflix’s Oscar Hopes

Netflix had high hopes for Emilia Perez, the highly anticipated musical crime drama directed by Jacques Audiard.

With critical acclaim and a star-studded cast, including Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña,

and Karla Sofia Gascón, the film was expected to be a serious contender for the upcoming Academy Awards.

However, those aspirations have now been thrown into jeopardy due to resurfaced tweets from Gascón, the film’s lead star.

The Rise of Emilia Perez

Premiering at major film festivals, Emilia Perez was praised for its unique storytelling and powerhouse performances. Gascón, who made history as the first transgender woman to win Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival, was hailed as a frontrunner for the Oscars. Netflix, which acquired the film, had launched a full-fledged awards campaign, hoping to secure major nominations.

The Controversy: Old Tweets Resurface

However, as the awards season gained momentum, social media users unearthed old tweets from Gascón that contained controversial and offensive statements. These resurfaced posts, some of which date back several years, quickly went viral, leading to intense backlash. The nature of the tweets—some allegedly including racist, sexist, or politically charged content—sparked outrage among both fans and industry professionals.

The Fallout for Netflix

With the backlash intensifying, Netflix found itself in damage control mode. While Gascón issued a public apology, stating that the tweets were from a different time in her life and did not reflect her current beliefs, the controversy refused to die down. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, known for its sensitivity to public opinion, has historically distanced itself from films and actors embroiled in scandals. As a result, Oscar voters may now be reluctant to support Emilia Perez, despite its artistic merits.

Industry Reaction

Film critics and industry insiders have expressed mixed opinions on the situation. Some argue that an artist’s past mistakes should not overshadow their current work, while others insist that accountability is necessary, especially in an industry that values inclusivity and progress. The situation has reignited discussions about cancel culture and the long-term consequences of social media actions.

What’s Next for Emilia Perez?

With the controversy looming large, Netflix faces an uphill battle in its Oscar campaign for Emilia Perez. The film may still receive nominations, but its chances of winning major awards have undoubtedly taken a hit. Whether the Academy will overlook the controversy and focus on the film’s artistic achievements remains to be seen.

For now, Netflix and the Emilia Perez team can only hope that as the awards season progresses, the conversation will shift back to the film itself rather than the controversy surrounding its lead star.