marqzy

   Did "Emilia Pérez" Win Two Oscars at the 97th Academy Awards Due to the Backlash Against Karla Sofía Gascón’s Offensive Tweets?

The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, were a night of glitz, glamour, and—of course—controversy. Among the films that stirred the most conversation was *Emilia Pérez*, a Spanish-language musical that entered the evening with a record-breaking 13 nominations for a non-English-language film. Directed by Jacques Audiard, the movie tells the story of a Mexican cartel boss who transitions to live as a woman, portrayed by Karla Sofía Gascón—the first openly transgender actress to earn an Oscar nomination. But despite its critical acclaim and historic significance, *Emilia Pérez* walked away with only two Oscars: Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña and Best Original Song for "El Mal." 

   The Rise of *Emilia Pérez* at the Oscars

Before the *offensive tweets controversy* erupted, *Emilia Pérez* was poised for a triumphant night at the *97th Academy Awards*. After premiering at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize and a shared Best Actress award for its ensemble, the film seemed destined for awards-season glory. Its 13 nominations—including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress for Gascón, and Best International Feature—suggested it could be Netflix’s first Best Picture winner. The film’s bold storytelling, vibrant musical numbers, and groundbreaking *trans representation Oscars* moment made it a darling of progressive voters and critics alike.

Zoe Saldaña’s nuanced performance as Rita, the lawyer aiding Emilia’s transition, and the hauntingly beautiful song "El Mal" were standout elements, earning widespread praise. Early predictions pegged *Emilia Pérez* as a frontrunner in multiple categories, with its inclusive message resonating in an Academy increasingly focused on diversity. But then, the *Karla Sofía Gascón backlash* changed everything.

  The Offensive Tweets Controversy Unfolds

In late January 2025, just days after the Oscar nominations were announced, journalist Sarah Hagi unearthed a series of old tweets from Gascón’s X account, posted between 2016 and 2023. The posts were shocking: racist remarks about Muslims, disparaging comments about George Floyd (calling him a "drug-addicted swindler"), and criticisms of Oscars diversity that mocked the 2021 ceremony as an "Afro-Korean festival" and "Black Lives Matter demonstration

Gascón quickly deactivated her X account and issued an apology through Netflix, saying, "As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain The *Emilia Pérez film controversy* exploded, with LGBTQ advocates, Mexican critics (who already questioned the film’s portrayal of their culture), and Academy voters reevaluating their support.

Netflix, caught off guard, distanced itself from Gascón, scrubbing her from promotional materials and focusing on Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz instead. Director Jacques Audiard publicly condemned Gascón’s words, saying, "What Karla Sofía said is inexcusable," while Saldaña expressed sadness but stood by the film’s message. The *Karla Sofía Gascón backlash* turned *Emilia Pérez* from a progressive triumph into a lightning rod for debate, raising the question: Would this *offensive tweets controversy* derail its *Oscars 2025 winners* potential?

   The 97th Academy Awards Results: A Mixed Bag

When the *97th Academy Awards* rolled around on March 2, 2025, *Emilia Pérez* entered with diminished buzz. Despite its 13 nominations, it secured only two wins:

1.  Best Supporting Actress – Zoe Saldaña : Saldaña’s win was a bright spot, marking her first Oscar and a testament to her compelling performance. Academy voters seemed to separate her work from the scandal, rewarding her individual merit.

2.  Best Original Song – "El Mal" : The song’s infectious melody and emotional depth made it a standout, proving the film’s artistic strengths could still shine through the noise.

Notably absent from the *Oscars 2025 winners* list was Gascón, who lost Best Actress (likely to Demi Moore for *The Substance*, a pre-scandal favorite) and saw the film shut out of Best Picture, Best Director, and Best International Feature. Gascón attended the ceremony—skipping the red carpet—but her presence was overshadowed by host Conan O’Brien’s quip: "Karla Sofía Gascón is here tonight. Karla, if you’re going to tweet about the Oscars, remember: My name is Jimmy Kimmel." The joke landed, but it underscored the awkwardness surrounding her.

So, did the *Karla Sofía Gascón backlash* cost *Emilia Pérez* more Oscars? Let’s break it down.

   Did the Backlash Sink *Emilia Pérez*’s Chances?

There’s a strong case that the *offensive tweets controversy* impacted *Emilia Pérez*’s haul at the *97th Academy Awards*. The Academy, while diversifying in recent years, remains sensitive to public perception. Gascón’s remarks clashed with the progressive values the film championed, creating a dissonance that voters couldn’t ignore. Her Best Actress bid, once a historic possibility, became a long shot as Academy members reportedly considered rescinding her nomination—a rare move that didn’t materialize but signaled deep discontent.

The film’s Best Picture loss could also tie to the scandal. Pre-controversy, *Emilia Pérez* was a frontrunner, but the negative press may have swayed voters toward safer choices (like *Anora* or *The Brutalist*, depending on the final tally). Critics like Wendy Ide of *The Observer* predicted, "I would now be very surprised if *Emilia Pérez* won Best Picture," a sentiment echoed across awards chatter. The *Emilia Pérez film controversy* likely tainted its broader appeal, making it harder to rally the consensus needed for the top prize.

Yet, the two wins suggest the backlash didn’t erase the film’s merits entirely. Saldaña’s victory and the "El Mal" win indicate voters were willing to reward individual excellence, perhaps separating Gascón’s actions from the collective effort. The Academy has a history of splitting the baby—think *Green Book* surviving its own tweet scandal in 2019 to win Best Picture. Here, though, the scale of Gascón’s controversy and her central role may have capped *Emilia Pérez*’s success.

   Alternative Explanations: Was It Ever Going to Sweep?

Let’s not oversimplify. The *97th Academy Awards* were competitive, and *Emilia Pérez* faced scrutiny beyond Gascón’s tweets. Some Mexican viewers criticized its stereotypical depiction of their country—a French production shot mostly near Paris—while LGBTQ advocates, including GLAAD, argued it wasn’t "good trans representation" despite Gascón’s casting. These pre-existing *Emilia Pérez film controversy* threads may have softened its support even before the tweets surfaced.

Moreover, the Oscars rarely crown non-English-language films Best Picture (*Parasite* in 2020 being the exception), and musicals—especially bold, genre-defying ones—can polarize voters. *Emilia Pérez*’s 13 nominations were a triumph, but converting nods to wins is another beast. The two Oscars it did secure align with categories less tied to Gascón’s performance, suggesting the film’s artistic strengths endured despite the storm.

   The Bigger Picture: Trans Representation and Accountability

The *Emilia Pérez Oscars* saga raises deeper questions about *trans representation Oscars* and Hollywood’s expectations. Gascón’s nomination was a milestone, but her tweets revealed a complex individual—not a monolith of progressive ideals. Assuming she’d embody a flawless symbol of tolerance was a misstep, one that fueled the backlash’s intensity. As the *Los Angeles Times* noted, "Being trans is an issue of personal identity, not a political belief system.

For audiences, the *Karla Sofía Gascón backlash* is a reminder that art and artist are intertwined yet distinct. *Emilia Pérez*’s two wins at the *97th Academy Awards* reflect this tension: a nod to its brilliance, tempered by a scandal that couldn’t be ignored.

   Conclusion: A Partial Victory Amid Chaos

So, did *Emilia Pérez* win only two Oscars at the *97th Academy Awards* due to the *offensive tweets controversy*? It’s likely a factor—but not the whole story. The *Karla Sofía Gascón backlash* undoubtedly hurt its momentum, costing Gascón her shot and dimming Best Picture hopes. Yet, the film’s pre-existing challenges and the Oscars’ competitive landscape suggest it might not have swept anyway. Two wins is no small feat, proving *Emilia Pérez*’s artistry could still shine through the noise.

What do you think? Did the Academy get it right, or did the backlash unfairly overshadow a groundbreaking film? Share your thoughts below, and stay tuned for more *Oscars 2025 winners* insights!