Karla Sofía Gascón’s Oscar dreams may be crumbling after old social media posts resurfaced, exposing controversial comments about Islam, Catholicism, and even past Oscar winners. With backlash mounting and the Academy’s reputation on the line, will Hollywood turn its back on the Best Actress nominee? The fallout could be disastrous for Emilia Perez and its frontrunner status.
The Internet Uncovers Karla Sofía Gascón’s Past Controversies
The awards season took a shocking turn as Emilia Perez star Karla Sofía Gascón found herself at the center of a growing scandal. Just weeks before the Academy Awards, the Spanish actress and Best Actress nominee faced intense scrutiny after controversial social media posts resurfaced, revealing her harsh criticisms of multiple communities.
Gascón, the first transgender performer to receive an Oscar nomination for a lead role, had previously expressed inflammatory opinions about Islam, Catholicism, and even past award winners. A resurfaced tweet suggested that Islam should be banned, while another mocked Catholic beliefs. Even more damaging, she labeled George Floyd a “drug addict swindler,” a comment that reignited debates about racial injustice and social sensitivity.
For an industry that prides itself on inclusivity and progressiveness, these revelations could not have come at a worse time for the actress or Emilia Perez, which led this year’s nominations and had positioned itself as the Best Picture frontrunner.
Can Emilia Perez Survive the Backlash?
Before this controversy, Emilia Perez had been on an impressive trajectory, earning widespread critical acclaim and generating significant awards buzz. Directed by Jacques Audiard, the musical crime drama tells the story of a feared cartel leader who transitions into a woman—a narrative that captivated audiences and critics alike.
Netflix, which heavily backed the film, had made Gascón the face of the project. She was front and center at press events, took the stage to accept the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and delivered a now-ironic message of self-empowerment: “I am who I am, not who you want.”
However, with her past comments now in the spotlight, Hollywood insiders are questioning whether Emilia Perez can weather this storm. Academy voters, already known for being cautious with their selections, might hesitate to award a film whose lead actor is facing widespread condemnation.
Adding to the uncertainty is the film’s lukewarm reception among general audiences. While critically praised, Emilia Perez has struggled to gain traction with mainstream moviegoers, especially in Mexico, where some have criticized its portrayal of their culture. With the latest controversy, its awards campaign faces an uphill battle.
How Will This Affect the Oscars Race?
The fallout from Gascón’s resurfaced posts has not been limited to social media discourse. Major news outlets and entertainment analysts have been quick to weigh in on how this could impact her chances at the Oscars.
Before the scandal, Gascón was considered an underdog in the Best Actress category, competing against seasoned talents like Demi Moore, Fernanda Torres, Mikey Madison, and Cynthia Erivo. However, the exposure of her past remarks could now eliminate any remaining hope for a surprise victory. In contrast, Moore’s emotional Golden Globes speech, in which she acknowledged never having won a major acting award before, has solidified her position as the frontrunner.
Meanwhile, the controversy might have broader implications for Emilia Perez as a whole. With major voting bodies like the Screen Actors Guild still casting their ballots, the backlash could sway decisions in favor of other contenders, such as The Brutalist or Anora.
While the Critics Choice Awards might still go to Emilia Perez—as voting concluded before this scandal erupted—its prospects at the SAG Awards, the Directors Guild Awards, and the Oscars now seem increasingly bleak.
Will Hollywood Forgive Karla Sofía Gascón?
As the countdown to the Oscars continues, all eyes will be on how the Academy and Netflix navigate this PR disaster. While Hollywood has occasionally forgiven controversial figures in the past, the industry’s recent push for social responsibility makes it difficult to imagine Gascón walking away unscathed.
Will Netflix distance itself from its leading lady? Will Emilia Perez still walk away with major awards? Most importantly, will Academy voters be willing to overlook these resurfaced remarks, or has Gascón’s Oscar dream already come to an end?
For now, one thing is certain—this scandal has changed the trajectory of the awards race. Whether Karla Sofía Gascón’s career can recover remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: the road to Oscar glory just got a whole lot rockier.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. Let us know your thoughts—should Gascón be forgiven, or is this controversy too big to ignore?
