A Major Win for Emilia Pérez at the Goya Awards
The French film Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, won the Best European Film award at the Goya Awards 2025, Spain’s most prestigious film ceremony.
However, the victory was overshadowed by controversy surrounding lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón, whose past tweets criticizing Muslims and other groups sparked backlash.
Gascón did not attend the ceremony in Granada, Spain, where a representative from the film’s distributor accepted the award on behalf of the team.
Controversy Over Karla Sofía Gascón’s Past Tweets
The controversy erupted after Gascón’s past social media posts resurfaced, leading to accusations of racism and hate speech.
Key points in the controversy:
Gascón’s past tweets were criticized for containing anti-Muslim sentiments and offensive language.
Netflix distanced itself from the actress, removing her from the film’s Oscar promotion in the U.S..
Director Jacques Audiard condemned the remarks, calling them “inexcusable and hateful.”
Gascón responded via Instagram, stating she would remain silent to avoid damaging the film’s Oscar chances.
Despite the backlash, the voting for the Goya Awards closed on January 24, before the controversy gained momentum, ensuring that the results were unaffected.
How Emilia Pérez Stands in the Oscar Race
With 13 Oscar nominations, including Best Actress for Gascón, Emilia Pérez has emerged as a strong contender for the Academy Awards.
However, the ongoing controversy could impact the film’s standing, especially with Netflix limiting Gascón’s promotional involvement.
What awards has Emilia Pérez already won?
4 Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
Recognition at Cannes Film FestivalNow, the Goya for Best European Film
Despite its growing accolades, the film remains polarizing, particularly in Mexico, where critics have accused it of misrepresenting themes such as drug cartels, migration, and corruption.
Will Emilia Pérez Overcome the Controversy?
As Emilia Pérez moves closer to the Academy Awards, the global debate surrounding Gascón’s role and past statements continues.
While some argue that the film’s message should stand on its own, others believe that the controversy could overshadow its Oscar campaign.
With its bold storytelling and social themes, Emilia Pérez remains one of the most discussed films of the year.
