The controversial film "Emilia Perez" has won the Best European Film award at the Goya Awards, Spain's equivalent of the Oscars. The narco-musical, which tells the story of a Mexican drug cartel boss who transitions to life as a woman, has been embroiled in controversy since social media posts by star Karla Sofia Gascon surfaced, denigrating Islam, China, and George Floyd.
Despite the scandal, "Emilia Perez" received 13 Oscar nominations, a record for a foreign-language film. The film also won four Golden Globes in January and multiple prizes at the Cannes Film Festival. However, the controversy has significantly impacted the film's Oscar chances.
Gascon, who did not attend the Goya ceremony, has apologized for her posts, but the damage may be irreparable. The film's distributor, Netflix, has distanced itself from the actress and dropped her from the publicity campaign. The controversy highlights the growing power of social media in shaping public perception and the potential consequences for actors and filmmakers.