Zoe Saldaña Addresses Controversy Surrounding Emilia Pérez Co-Star Karla Sofía Gascón

Zoe Saldaña has spoken out about the backlash surrounding her Emilia Pérez co-star Karla Sofía Gascón, whose past racist and Islamophobic social media posts resurfaced on January 30. While Saldaña expressed sadness and disappointment, she emphasized that the Gascón she worked with on set was not the same person reflected in those posts. She acknowledged the situation as a learning experience and maintained that she is still processing her thoughts.

Meanwhile, Emilia Pérez director Jacques Audiard has distanced himself from Gascón, calling her actions “inexcusable” and accusing her of being in a “self-destructive approach.” Gascón has since apologized, stating that she deeply regrets her past statements and remains committed to fighting for a better world.

Impact on the Oscars

Despite the controversy, Emilia Pérez remains the most-nominated film at this year’s Academy Awards, with 13 nominations, including Best Picture. Gascón made history as the first openly transgender person nominated for an acting Oscar (Best Actress), while Saldaña earned her first nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

While some speculate that the backlash could hurt Gascón’s chances of winning, Saldaña remains a strong frontrunner in her category. Entertainment Weekly even predicts she will take home the award. However, with ongoing negative press, the situation could affect the film’s overall Oscar momentum.

Potential Outcomes

1. Gascón’s Oscar Chances: The controversy might sway Academy voters away from her, despite her historic nomination.
2. Saldaña’s Standing: Her strong performance and measured response to the situation could solidify her as a likely winner.
3. Impact on Emilia Pérez‘s Reputation: While the film is critically acclaimed, the controversy could cast a shadow over its awards season success.