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The Global Story

The scandal sinking an Oscars campaign

Feb 28, 2025
Noor Nanji, a BBC culture reporter, and Matthew Belloni, an entertainment journalist and founder of Puck, dive into the firestorm surrounding the film 'Emilia Perez.' They discuss how resurfaced tweets from lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón are overshadowing the movie's success and complicating its Oscar campaign. The conversation covers the impact of public relations on the film's reputation, the balance between artistic merit and controversy, and the implications for Gascón's future in Hollywood as she navigates redemption amidst backlash.
24:15

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The controversy surrounding Karla Sofía Gascón’s resurfaced tweets has significantly impacted the promotional strategy for Emilia Pérez, shifting focus to co-star Zoe Saldana.
  • Discussions about the film's representation and authenticity highlight ongoing tensions within Hollywood regarding the portrayal of sensitive themes and the responsibilities of actors.

Deep dives

Controversy Surrounding Emilia Perez

The film Emilia Perez, a Spanish-language musical about a Mexican drug lord undergoing gender-affirming surgery, has sparked discussion due to its divisive content and portrayal of sensitive themes. Critics have raised concerns about the film’s representation of Mexico and its people, arguing that the lack of significant Mexican involvement in its production detracts from its authenticity. Additionally, some voices within the LGBTQ+ community questioned the film's depiction of gender-affirming surgery, despite having a trans actress in the lead role. These criticisms set the stage for further controversy when lead actress Carla Sofia Gascon faced backlash after old tweets resurfaced, which detracted from the film's initial success and critical acclaim, where it garnered multiple award nominations and accolades, including Golden Globes and European Film Awards.

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