The exposure of controversial social media comments made by the actress regarding topics such as George Floyd, Islam, and the Oscars has stirred up a controversy, potentially jeopardizing the film's chances at the Academy Awards this year.
Karla Sofía Gascón made history at the Oscars as the first transgender woman nominated in the best actress category. Initially, she had a shot at making history again by winning the award. However, the recent revelations have dimmed those prospects. According to film critic Wendy Ide from The Observer, "Karla Sofía Gascón won’t be winning anything."
Ironically, Gascón's transgender identity and the film's nuanced portrayal of a transgender character appealed to voters for its progressiveness. However, the discovery of her anti-diversity social media content has jeopardized this perception. Arts editor Ed Potton from The Times notes, "Emilia Pérez's chances are strongly tied to its liberal credentials," implying that regaining trust after their loss would be challenging.
External factors often influence the results of the Academy Awards, as films and actors are not solely judged on merit. For instance, Paul Newman's victory for The Color of Money in 1987 was influenced by his status as a beloved Hollywood figure, while Mickey Rourke's use of a homophobic slur in 2008 likely contributed to his loss in 2009. Film journalist Stephanie Bunbury from the Sydney Morning Herald remarks, "I do not remember such flagrant dirty play in any previous Oscar race" and suggests that recent scandals and animosities hint at a difference in the industry's dynamics or simply reflect the current societal tensions highlighted by social media.