What Next | The Award for Messiest Oscar Contender Goes To…
Feb 13, 2025
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Michael Schulman, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of 'Oscar Wars,' dives deep into the controversy surrounding the film Emilia Pérez. He critiques its bizarre mix of a trans narrative and cartel themes, raising concerns about artistic execution and stereotypes. Schulman discusses the polarizing reception of the film, which has scored 13 Oscar nominations but faces harsh criticism. He also highlights the complexities of Oscar campaigning, especially regarding representation and the implications of recent controversies in the awards race.
The film 'Emilia Pérez' combines themes of identity and redemption but faces backlash for its portrayal of Mexican and trans identities.
Critics argue that the film's absurdist elements and jarring tone create confusion about its message, highlighting Hollywood's ongoing representation issues.
Deep dives
The Baffling Narrative of Amelia Perez
Amelia Perez presents a convoluted story intertwining themes of identity and redemption, centering around a Mexican cartel boss who transitions into a woman. The film explores her journey post-transition as she attempts to reconnect with her family and establish a nonprofit for victims of gang violence. Critics find the absurdist elements, such as the jarring musical numbers that include explicit discussions of gender reassignment surgeries, challenging the audience's understanding and taste. Despite its polarizing nature, the film has garnered 13 Oscar nominations, raising questions about its merit and the motivations behind its acclaim during awards season.
Critique of Representation and Tone
The film has faced backlash for its representation of Mexico and trans identities, with many arguing it perpetuates stereotypes that fail to authentically portray these communities. The involvement of primarily non-Mexican and non-trans creators has led to further criticism regarding the authenticity of its storytelling. Critics highlight how the film's tone oscillates between absurdity and earnestness, leaving many viewers perplexed about its intent and message. This disconnect underscores a larger issue in Hollywood regarding the importance of genuine representation and the dangers of tokenism in narrative cinema.
Controversy Surrounding Its Star
Carla Sofia Gascon, the film's lead, became a focal point of controversy when old social media posts resurfaced, containing offensive remarks that contradicted the progressive message the film aimed to convey. As negative attention mounted, Netflix distanced itself from Gascon, impacting the film's Oscar campaign and its standing as a frontrunner for Best Picture. This situation illustrates the immense pressure on individuals representing marginalized communities, often highlighting societal challenges faced by these groups. The unfolding drama surrounding the film’s awards bid reflects broader tensions in Hollywood's approach to diversity and representation, which remains fraught with complexities.
As Donald Trump’s campaign of trans panic and anti-Latin American sentiment buoyed him back to the White House, Emilia Pérez looked like a film to meet the moment. Then audiences started actually seeing it and...yikes.
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Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther.