The Rise and Fall of "Emilia Pérez" at the Oscars

"Emilia Pérez," a musical drama centered around a Mexican cartel boss, emerged as a formidable contender at the Oscars this year, earning an impressive 13 nominations—more than any other film. The movie made history when its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón, became the first openly transgender actor to receive an Oscar nomination. The film, directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, was not only celebrated for its artistic merits but also garnered significant attention for its bold storytelling and cultural relevance. Many believed it had a strong chance of winning Best Picture, a prize that has long eluded its distributor, Netflix. However, as the awards season progressed, "Emilia Pérez" found itself at the center of controversy, which ultimately derailed its Oscar ambitions.

The Scandal That Derailed "Emilia Pérez"

Six weeks ago, "Emilia Pérez" was riding high, with many predicting it would sweep the Oscars. But the film’s momentum hit a roadblock in January when journalist Sarah Hagi uncovered derogatory comments Karla Sofía Gascón had posted on social media years ago. The resurfaced comments, which included offensive remarks about Muslims, George Floyd, and even the Oscars themselves, sparked widespread outrage. The backlash was swift and intense, with many calling for Gascón to be stripped of her nomination. While the Academy did not take such action, the damage was done. The film’s once-promising Oscar campaign imploded under the weight of the scandal, and "Emilia Pérez" ended up winning just two awards: Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña and Best Original Song for "El Mal."

A Night of Mixed Emotions at the Oscars

Despite the controversy surrounding "Emilia Pérez," the film still had a significant presence at the Oscars. During the ceremony, host Conan O’Brien even referenced the scandal in his opening monologue, quipping, "Little fact for you: ‘Anora’ uses the F-word 479 times. That’s three more than the record set by Karla Sofia Gascón’s publicist." The joke drew laughs from the audience but also highlighted the challenges the film and its team had faced. When Zoe Saldaña took the stage to accept her Best Supporting Actress award, she was met with a mix of applause and criticism. In the press room, a journalist from a Mexican publication confronted her, expressing that "Emilia Pérez" had been "really hurtful for us Mexicans." The film had faced criticism in Mexico for its portrayal of the country and the lack of Mexican involvement in its production.

Saldaña responded with grace and empathy, apologizing for any offense caused and emphasizing that the film had come from a place of love. "First of all, I am very, very sorry that you and so many Mexicans felt offended," she said. "That was never our intention. We came from a place of love, and I will stand by that." She also expressed a willingness to engage in further dialogue, adding, "I’m also always open to sit down with all of my Mexican brothers and sisters and with love and respect, have a great conversation on how ‘Emilia’ could have been done better." Her words were a sincere attempt to bridge the divide, but the damage to the film’s reputation had already been done.

Netflix’s Ongoing Struggles at the Oscars

The night was not just difficult for "Emilia Pérez" but also for its distributor, Netflix. The streaming giant has long sought to establish itself as a major player in Hollywood, and the Oscars are a key measure of its success. Netflix proudly displays its Oscar wins in a glass case at its headquarters, but one prize continues to elude it: Best Picture. Despite investing heavily in its awards campaigns, the company has yet to claim the top honor. This year, many believed that "Emilia Pérez" could finally bring Netflix that elusive Best Picture trophy. However, the film’s collapse under the weight of scandal left the company with just three wins: Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Song, and a documentary short film award.

The night’s bright spots for Netflix were overshadowed by the dominant performance of "Anora," a film distributed by a rival studio. Sean Baker, the director of "Anora," won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. In his acceptance speech, Baker took a subtle swipe at Netflix, emphasizing the importance of the moviegoing experience. "Where did we fall in love with the movies?" he asked. "At the movie theater. It’s a communal experience you simply don’t get at home." His words resonated with many in the audience, particularly those who have been critical of Netflix’s resistance to traditional theatrical releases.

The Human Side of the Scandal

Despite the turmoil surrounding "Emilia Pérez," the film’s cast and crew remainedcomposed throughout the night. Karla Sofía Gascón, who had largely avoided the spotlight during the ceremony, made a brief appearance at the bar, where she was surrounded by her daughter, agent, publicist, and security team. She seemed to be in good spirits, even sharing a laugh with Adrien Brody, who went on to win Best Actor. When approached by a reporter, Gascón was jovial and appeared willing to chat, but her publicist quickly intervened to shut down the conversation. After fetching a drink, she winked and blew a kiss before being whisked away. Despite the challenges she had faced, Gascón seemed determined to enjoy her moment, even if it was bittersweet.

Reflections on a Turbulent Awards Season

The story of "Emilia Pérez" at the Oscars serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of awards season and the power of public sentiment. What had once seemed like a surefire contender for Best Picture ended up leaving the ceremony with just two minor awards. The scandal surrounding Karla Sofía Gascón’s past comments not only derailed the film’s momentum but also sparked important conversations about representation, accountability, and the complexities of cultural storytelling. While "Emilia Pérez" may not have won the top prize, its journey to the Oscars highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by filmmakers and streaming platforms in an ever-changing Hollywood landscape. For Netflix, the night was a mix of disappointment and vindication, but the company’s ongoing investment in ambitious projects like "Emilia Pérez" suggests that it remains committed to its quest for Oscar glory.