Karla Sofía Gascón Makes Oscar History Amid Controversy

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Karla Sofía Gascón has become the first openly transgender actress nominated for an Academy Award in an acting category following her role in “Emilia Pérez,” a musical crime drama directed by Jacques Audiard. The nomination, however, has been overshadowed by controversy stemming from her past social media posts, which have drawn criticism from both the public and media.

Gascón, born in 1972 in Madrid, Spain, began her entertainment career with television roles before gaining recognition for her performances in shows like “El súper” and “Corazón salvaje.” After her transition in 2018, she became a prominent advocate for transgender representation in the industry. Her performance in “Emilia Pérez” not only earned her international acclaim but also won her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival.

The nomination was announced in late January 2025, shortly after resurfaced posts from Gascón included considered Islamophobic and racist comments. Among these were remarks related to Muslim clothing, the death of George Floyd, and criticism of the Oscars’ diversity efforts in 2021.

In the face of backlash, Gascón issued an apology, stating, “As a member of a marginalized community, I know this suffering too well and deeply regret causing pain. I have fought my entire life for a better world. I believe that light will always triumph over darkness.” She also defended her nomination, insisting, “I cannot withdraw from my nomination because I have committed no crime nor harmed anyone. I am not racist or any of the things people have tried to make others believe I am,” noted Juan Carlos Arciniegas from CNN Español.

Amid the controversy, Netflix, the film’s producer, has distanced itself from Gascón, limiting her participation in the Oscar campaign. Co-stars Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez have also condemned her past remarks. Despite the tumult, Gascón has confirmed her attendance at the Oscars, with Netflix covering expenses, though it remains uncertain if she will walk the red carpet or give interviews.

The film “Emilia Pérez,” which has secured 13 Oscar nominations including Best Picture, has faced various criticisms related to its depiction of Mexico and the authenticity of its dialogue. The story centers on a Mexican drug trafficker seeking gender reassignment surgery, which has sparked debate regarding cultural representation.

Critics highlighted a divide among the cast regarding Gascón’s past behavior, with some expressing pride in their nominations regardless of the controversy. Saldaña remarked that she was “sad” and “disappointed” by the situation, emphasizing that the film aimed for inclusivity and collaboration.

Director Jacques Audiard, who has not spoken to Gascón since the uproar, acknowledged the backlash in an interview, stating he apologizes to anyone who found elements of the film offensive. He defended the film’s intent to raise questions rather than offer definitive answers.

Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Head of Content, mentioned the impact of the controversy on the crew, consisting of over 100 individuals, and said, “It is really a hassle for people with incredible talent.” While Bajaria was unclear whether the company would increase monitoring of talent’s social media in the future, the situation underscores the ripple effects of digital commentary on public figures.

The upcoming Oscar ceremony presents a critical moment for Gascón and the film, as the outcome may influence public perception and set a precedent for representation in the film industry.