‘Emilia Pérez’ star Gascón skips Oscar nominees dinner after tweet scandal

Karla Sofía Gascón, the star of Emilia Pérez, made headlines by skipping the Oscar nominees dinner on February 25, 2025. This came after a wave of backlash over her past social media posts. Gascón, 52, made history as the first openly transgender acting contender at the Academy Awards. Her absence at the prestigious event raised eyebrows. Many wondered if the controversy surrounding her would impact her career at the Oscars.

Gascón’s controversial past resurfaces

The controversy began when old posts from Gascón’s social media resurfaced. In the posts, she had made critical remarks about Muslim culture, George Floyd, and diversity. These statements sparked outrage. Critics accused her of racism and insensitivity. In response, Gascón quickly deactivated her X account. She gave several interviews to defend herself. She denied the accusations and insisted she was misunderstood. However, the damage had been done, and the public backlash was significant.

Apology and reconciliation efforts

On February 6, 2025, Gascón posted an apology on Instagram. She expressed regret over her past actions and apologized to those she had hurt. “I sincerely apologize to everyone who has been hurt along the way,” she wrote. Gascón hoped her silence would allow the film Emilia Pérez to be appreciated for what it truly was—a celebration of love and acceptance. This apology was seen as an attempt to reconcile with her critics. Gascón’s heartfelt message showed that she understood the gravity of the situation.

Emilia Pérez dominates Oscar nominations

Despite the controversy surrounding Gascón, Emilia Pérez has dominated the 97th Academy Awards. The film received 13 nominations, including Best Picture. It has become one of the most-nominated films of the year. Gascón’s portrayal of the titular character has been widely praised. Many see it as a breakthrough performance. Despite the personal challenges she faced, her professional achievements have been undeniable. Emilia Pérez has captivated audiences and critics alike, securing its spot among the top contenders for the prestigious awards.

Director Jacques Audiard supports Gascón

Director Jacques Audiard has shown unwavering support for Gascón. At the BAFTA Awards on February 16, 2025, he defended her. While accepting the award for Best Film Not in the English Language, Audiard gave Gascón a special mention. He praised her talent and expressed his appreciation for her work on Emilia Pérez. Audiard’s support came at a critical time. It showed that he stood by his lead actress, even as the controversy raged on.

Zoe Saldaña expresses disappointment

Zoe Saldaña, Gascón’s costar in Emilia Pérez, has also spoken out about the controversy. In January, she expressed her sadness over the situation. Saldaña said she had “no tolerance for any negative rhetoric towards people of any group.” Later, she clarified that she was “disappointed” by Gascón’s actions. However, she also made it clear that she remained proud of their film. Saldaña’s comments reflected the complexity of the situation. While she did not condone Gascón’s past behavior, she still stood by the success of Emilia Pérez.

Gascón skips major awards events

Throughout the awards season, Gascón has been noticeably absent from major events. She did not attend the Critics Choice Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, or other key gatherings. Her absence at these events raised questions. It was clear that Gascón was choosing to distance herself from the public eye. However, reports indicated that she planned to attend the Oscars. Her absence from these events was seen as a way to avoid further controversy. Still, the Oscars would be a defining moment in her career.

Will Gascón attend the Oscars?

Despite the controversy, sources confirmed that Gascón would attend the 2025 Academy Awards. She was expected to be accompanied by her Emilia Pérez costars Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez. The Oscars ceremony would be an important occasion for Gascón. It would be her chance to show that she could move past the controversy and focus on her achievements. The world would be watching to see how she handled the spotlight amidst the ongoing drama.

Emilia Pérez continues to stream on Netflix

Meanwhile, Emilia Pérez continues to stream on Netflix. The film has captivated audiences worldwide, and its success shows no signs of slowing down. With 13 Oscar nominations, Emilia Pérez is one of the year’s top contenders. Its powerful performances and compelling storyline have earned it critical acclaim. For now, Gascón’s career remains firmly tied to the success of the film. Her journey will be one to watch in the coming days. The Oscars will reveal whether the controversy will overshadow her accomplishments or whether she will rise above it.