Karla Sofía Gascón, star of Emilia Pérez, is set to attend the Academy Awards on Sunday despite facing backlash over resurfaced offensive social media posts that derailed her historic Oscar campaign.
A source told CNN that Netflix is covering Gascón’s travel and expenses, as she was invited due to her nomination for Best Actress. It remains unclear if she will walk the red carpet or participate in interviews, and her seating arrangement inside the ceremony has yet to be determined.
Following the controversy, Emilia Pérez director Jacques Audiard condemned Gascón’s past remarks, while co-stars Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez have publicly addressed the issue. Netflix has distanced itself from Gascón to protect the film’s Oscar prospects.
Gascón made history in January as the first openly transgender actress nominated for an Academy Award in an acting category. Emilia Pérez leads this year’s nominations with 13, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress for Saldaña. However, Gascón has been absent from major award shows, including the SAG Awards and Critics Choice Awards, since the controversy erupted.
In January, Gascón faced criticism after a journalist exposed old social media posts deemed Islamophobic, critical of George Floyd, and disparaging of the 2021 Academy Awards. She later apologized in an interview with CNN en Español but maintained that she “cannot step down” from the Oscar race.
Director Audiard publicly distanced himself from Gascón, calling her comments “absolutely hateful” and “inexcusable.” Saldaña also expressed disappointment, emphasizing her support for inclusivity and equality.
Despite the fallout, Gascón recently posted on Instagram, apologizing to those affected and stating that she wants Emilia Pérez to be judged on its own merit.
Source: Swifteradio.com
