Unraveling the intriguing story of ‘Emilia Pérez,’ the struggling Oscar candidate

NEW YORK — Jacques Audiard’s film “Emilia Pérez” stands out among this year’s Oscar contenders as a unique blend of genres, merging musical elements with a trans narrative set in Mexico. However, despite its acclaim, it has also faced substantial backlash.

On one hand, “Emilia Pérez” is celebrated and has claimed several prestigious nominations, including wins at the Golden Globes, 11 BAFTA nominations, and 13 Academy Award nominations, placing it among the most recognized films in Oscar history. Nevertheless, it has also been a target of criticism regarding its tonal shifts and portrayal of Mexican culture, leading to a mixture of admiration and disdain since it became a favorite for the Oscars.

The film’s potential for success has significant implications. A victory at the Oscars on March 2 would mark Netflix’s first win for best picture and also spotlight star Karla Sofía Gascón, who would be the first openly trans actor to win an Oscar for best actress. This achievement would be monumental. However, Gascón’s recent apology following the surfacing of controversial tweets has added pressure and may hinder its Oscar ambitions amidst an already tumultuous campaign.

The journey of “Emilia Pérez” began at the Cannes Film Festival last May, where it garnered a mixed but generally positive reception. Audiard, renowned for his transformative narratives, pushes the boundaries in this film, which stars Gascón as a Mexican drug lord undergoing gender-affirming surgery with the aid of a lawyer, played by Zoe Saldaña. The film explores themes of identity and family, as Gascón’s character reconnects with her children, performed by Selena Gomez.

As the awards season progressed, “Emilia Pérez” gained momentum, shifting from an underdog to a formidable contender in late fall, largely due to Netflix’s vigorous promotion. The awards landscape was considered open this year, creating opportunities. With nominations for original songs such as “El Mal” and “Mi Camino,” and as France’s official submission for best international film, the movie capitalized on the expanding global representation within the Oscars.

However, audience reception has been less favorable compared to critical acclaim. While critics generally rated it positively, viewers on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes expressed disappointment, with a stark contrast in ratings—76% from critics versus only 19% from the public. Audience interest in the film did not translate to measurable box office success in North America, and it failed to maintain high streaming rankings on Netflix.

Concerns about the film’s authenticity emerged, especially from the Mexican audience, who criticized its treatment of local culture and the authenticity of accents used. Comedian Eugenio Derbez publicly criticized Selena Gomez’s portrayal for its perceived flaws. Furthermore, a Mexican parody film, “Johanne Sacreblu,” gained traction and highlighted discontent with the original film.

The controversy deepened in late January when social media posts from Gascón resurfaced, revealing derogatory statements about Muslims, George Floyd, and China. Following the backlash, Gascón issued a public apology, acknowledging the pain caused by her past comments and expressing remorse for her insensitivity.

The impact of this controversy remains uncertain for the future of “Emilia Pérez” and its Oscar prospects. Gascón was not favored to win against competition like Demi Moore in the best actress category, but the ramifications of her past statements could further affect the film’s reception. Despite facing such hurdles, history shows that films can survive controversies en route to winning major awards, as seen with the divisive 2019 winner “Green Book.”

With Oscar voting set to begin on February 11, the upcoming nominations from various guilds, such as the Screen Actors Guild and BAFTA, will likely offer crucial insights into the film’s viability as a frontrunner in the awards race. Only time will reveal whether “Emilia Pérez” can navigate through its challenges and retain its position amongst this year’s contenders.