Netflix is reportedly distancing itself from Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón as controversy surrounding the actress’s past social media posts forces changes to the film’s Oscar campaign. The streaming service appears to be taking steps back from Gascón following criticism of posts deemed Islamophobic and racist. As Gascón attempts to address the backlash she is doing so without the direct support of Netflix or her PR team.
Gascón had been expected to travel to Los Angeles from Spain for the crucial phase two of the Oscars campaign. Her schedule was to include events like the AFI Awards luncheon Critics Choice Awards Directors Guild of America Awards Producers Guild of America Awards and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. However reports now indicate Gascón is no longer expected to attend these events.
Netflix Reportedly Reduces Support For Gascón’s Oscar Campaign Amid Social Media Fallout
Netflix Limits Communication and Financial Support
This absence reportedly complicates Netflix’s campaign for Emilia Pérez. Adding to the situation Gascón shares a public relations firm The Lede Company with her co-star Zoe Saldaña. Sources speaking to Variety suggest Netflix and The Lede Company have stopped direct communication with Gascón. They are now reportedly communicating only through her United Talent Agency representative Jeremy Barber. Furthermore sources indicate Netflix is no longer covering Gascón's expenses for travel to awards shows or styling for appearances.
Should Gascón decide to attend these events it would reportedly be at her own expense covering everything from airfare to accommodation. Reports suggest Gascón was paid around 100000 Euros for her role in Emilia Pérez. As of now Gascón has not responded to requests for comment regarding these developments.
‘Emilia Pérez’ Oscar Campaign Material Reportedly Minimizes Gascón’s Presence
Marketing Focus Shifts to Co-Stars
A recent For Your Consideration advertisement for Emilia Pérez highlights its 13 Oscar nominations including Best Picture International Feature and Best Director. It also includes nods for supporting actress (Saldaña) and original song. However the film's title and images of Gascón are noticeably absent from much of this new campaign material. Instead marketing is prominently featuring Saldaña and co-stars Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz none of whom are nominated in acting categories. This shift suggests Netflix is attempting to lessen Gascón’s presence to prevent controversy from overshadowing the film and the work of her colleagues.
The official FYC page for the film reportedly features a prominent photo of Saldaña but no images of Gascón. With the Oscar race entering its post-nominations phase marketing efforts often become more focused on categories considered to have a higher chance of winning. While Saldaña and the film itself were already viewed as stronger contenders than Gascón this move to omit the lead actress from promotional materials has raised questions. One awards consultant stated to Variety “It’s hard to imagine a campaign focus that excludes the titular character while still aiming to bring home the gold.”
Gascón Responds To Backlash And Cancellation Concerns Amidst Oscar Campaign Changes
Actress Addresses Situation on Social Media
Gascón previously issued an apology after news of her controversial posts surfaced. She also gave an interview with CNN en Español without Netflix’s involvement. Recently Gascón again addressed the situation in an Instagram post tagging publications including Variety. In her post she stated “They want to subject me to ‘cancel culture’”. She then questioned “How can I move forward?” asking Hollywood experts and journalists for guidance.
Despite Gascón’s apologies some Oscar voters who chose to remain anonymous indicated they are moving away from supporting her and Emilia Pérez. One Academy member expressed frustration stating “Damn I almost felt sorry for her at first but now I’m like ‘Forget that’”. Another voter downplayed the impact of the controversy saying they judge the film based on its merits. However a third voter predicted negative consequences for the film expressing sympathy for Saldaña. “I think it’s going to have a big effect. It left a bad taste in people’s mouths” this voter stated. They added they were initially going to vote for Gascón but now question how they could support someone perceived as “racist and bigot”.
How Will The Oscars Handle Gascón If She Attends Ceremony Amidst Controversy?
Possible Changes to Ceremony Format
Questions remain regarding how the Oscars might manage Gascón’s presence should she attend the ceremony. Interestingly the Oscars recently announced the return of “Fab 5” moments a segment where past winners recognize current nominees. Sources suggest the “Fab 5” moments were not planned for acting categories this year and this decision reportedly predates the official nominations. It will reportedly be used in the director’s category and for some artisan awards. This format change means the Oscars will avoid the potentially awkward situation of needing a past winner to publicly praise Gascón’s performance from the stage were she to win.
Netflix has not yet reportedly begun discussions about bringing Gascón to Los Angeles for the Oscars telecast. As a nominee she is invited to the ceremony. However concerns exist that her presence might overshadow other nominees across all categories. There are also worries about potentially unpredictable interviews Gascón might give on the red carpet potentially distracting from the celebratory nature of the event.
Can ‘Emilia Pérez’ Overcome Controversy And Succeed At The Oscars?
Film’s Oscar Fate Remains Uncertain
The question now is whether Emilia Pérez can overcome this controversy. History shows some Oscar campaigns have weathered significant storms. Universal’s Green Book faced multiple controversies surrounding its director writer and lead actor prior to the 2019 Oscars. Despite this Green Book still won Best Picture Original Screenplay and Supporting Actor. Whether Emilia Pérez can withstand the fallout from Gascón’s social media posts is still unknown.
With Oscar voting set to begin soon the film’s future and Gascón’s awards prospects are uncertain. The situation highlights the delicate balance between artistic achievement and public perception in awards season and the challenges of navigating controversy in the spotlight.