‘Emilia Pérez’ Star Karla Sofia Gascón Addresses Oscar Nomination Buzz

‘Karla Sofia Gascón’, star of ‘Emilia Pérez’, has openly discussed the Oscar buzz surrounding her performance in Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical. While the possibility of making history with an Academy Award nomination excites her, Gascón emphasises that it is ultimately beyond her control.

The trans actress has received critical acclaim since the film’s debut, winning the Best Actress prize at Cannes alongside Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez. In the film, Gascón portrays dual roles—a notorious cartel leader and Emilia Pérez, a trans woman undergoing hormone therapy, ready to leave her criminal past behind by faking her death.

Image Courtesy: The New York Times

Speaking at the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain, Gascón addressed the Oscar buzz, especially as she is being submitted for Lead Actress consideration. If nominated, she would make history as the first openly trans actress to receive an Academy Award nod. 

“You can do whatever you want to win, but if you’re not going to win, you won’t,” she stated. “I can’t do more than present my work. If it happens, it would be wonderful for me as an actress.” 

Gascón stressed the importance of recognition for her talent, not her identity. “Sometimes, people think you’re given a prize because of your community, not your role.  That annoys me,” she admitted.

She also highlighted her dedication to the craft, saying, “I’ve done a role very few people could have done,” adding that her focus remains on her performance. While recognising the significance of her identity, Gascón concluded, “The only thing I can do is act. I want the focus to be on that as well.”

-Sushmita Sarkar