Karla Sofía Gascón, star of Emilia Pérez, has announced she will no longer address the ongoing controversy surrounding the film, stating that she wants the work to speak for itself. Emilia Pérez's cast, which also features Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña, follows a Mexican lawyer who is offered a job to help a notorious cartel boss retire and transition into living as a woman. The Jacques Audiard-directed crime musical premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, winning the Jury Prize, along with Gascón making history as the first openly transgender actress to win Best Actress at the festival.
Gascón has now taken to Instagram to share her latest statement following critical remarks from Audiard regarding her actions after Netflix reportedly pulled her from the movie's Oscars campaign. Audiard accused Gascón of self-destructive behavior, claiming she was harming herself and others involved in the film, including Gomez and Saldaña. Gascón has been outspoken about her frustration with the way the awards push was handled, though she now asserts that she is done discussing the matter publicly. Check out her post below:
"Following Jacques interview that I understand, I decided, for the film, for Jacques, for the cast, for the incredible crew who deserves it, for the beautiful adventure we all had together, to let the work talk for itself, hoping my silence will allow the film to be appreciated for what it is, a beautiful ode to love and difference. I sincerely apologize to everyone who has been hurt along the way.
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo"
What This Means For Emilia Pérez & Its Awards Prospects
Gascón And Audiard's Dispute Adds To Emilia Pérez's Ongoing String of Controversies
Emilia Pérez has faced setbacks, largely due to Netflix’s reported decision to halt Gascón’s Oscars campaign along with its portrayal of both transgender identity and Mexican culture. While Netflix has not publicly confirmed this move, reports indicate that internal concerns over the film’s promotional strategy played a role. However, despite the controversy, Emilia Pérez received 13 Academy Awards nominations.
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Moreover, Audiard’s comments further complicate the situation, as they publicly distanced him from his lead actress just weeks before the 97th Academy Awards Ceremony. While disagreements between filmmakers and actors are not uncommon, direct and public criticism from a director towards his star is unusual. His statement frames Gascón as the cause of the dispute, suggesting that her actions have affected not just her own prospects but those of the entire cast and crew. However, Gascón’s decision to step away from discussing the controversy may defuse the situation.
Our Take On Gascón’s Decision To Stay Silent
This May Further Affect Emilia Perez's Awards Season Performance
Gascón stepping back from the controversy is a pragmatic move, but it does not erase its impact of the past few weeks. The situation has shifted from a conversation about her performance, and Emilia's Pérez's reception, to a dispute between artist and director. Regardless of the outcome, the focus has shifted from the film's merits to the ongoing controversy between Audiard and Gascón. Whether Gascón’s separation allows Emilia Pérez to regain focus remains to be seen, but at this point, its chances during the 2024-2025 awards season are in jeopardy.
Source: Karla Sofía Gascón/Instagram
Emilia Perez
9/10
Release Date November 13, 2024
Runtime 130 Minutes
Director Jacques Audiard
Writers Jacques Audiard, Thomas Bidegain, Léa Mysius
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Karla Sofía Gascón
Emilia / Manitas
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English (US) ·