The film 'Emilia Pérez,' directed by Jacques Audiard and starring Karla Sofía Gáscon, is making headlines as it leads this year’s Oscar nominations. Gáscon, a transgender actress, has become the first in her category to receive such recognition, with the film also vying for awards in Best Film, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
However, the excitement is overshadowed by controversies surrounding Gáscon's social media activity. Following the announcement of the nominations, she faced backlash after comparing the current climate to the rise of Nazism, which many found inflammatory. This comparison has sparked heated debates online, particularly among Brazilian audiences, as Gáscon competes against Fernanda Torres for Best Actress.
In a show of support, Torres publicly defended Gáscon, urging an end to the hostility. Yet, tensions escalated when Gáscon alleged that individuals connected to Torres were speaking negatively about her film. Although this raised concerns about potential repercussions from the Academy, Gáscon later clarified her comments, emphasizing the toxicity of online discourse rather than targeting Torres or her supporters.
As the Oscar race heats up, the impact of these controversies on Gáscon’s chances remains to be seen, highlighting the intersection of art, identity, and social media in today’s film industry.