Emilia Pérez wins seven awards at Césars amid controversy

In France, during the 50th anniversary of the Césars ceremony held on February 28, 2025, the film Emilia Pérez was honored as the best French film of the year, winning a total of seven awards. The night, however, was marred by controversy surrounding one of its stars, Karla Sofia Gascón, who faced backlash for past social media posts that disparaged various groups, including Muslims and the late George Floyd. Despite these issues, Gascón and her co-star, Zoe Saldaña, were both nominated for best actress at the event. Gascón did not win, as the award went to Hafsia Herzi for her role in Borgo. Best actor honors were awarded to Karim Leklou for his performance in Le Roman de Jim (Jim's Story). Karla Sofia Gascón's previous comments came under scrutiny again as old posts resurfaced, highlighting her controversial views on Islam and race. Critics have pointed out that while Emilia Pérez has been celebrated as a significant cultural piece, it has also faced sharp criticism for its portrayal of Mexican culture and the implications of Gascón's past remarks. Director Jacques Audiard publicly condemned Gascón's behavior and made an appeal for unity among his team, highlighting the talented female cast members. Notably, this film has garnered a historic 13 nominations for the upcoming Oscars, raising expectations for its success amid the ongoing controversy. Julia Roberts also attended the Césars to receive an honorary award for her career achievements. She was presented with this accolade amid a glowing reception, wherein Clive Owen, her co-star in two films, called her to the stage. The audience gave her a standing ovation, reaffirming her status as a celebrated actress. As for Emilia Pérez, if it manages to navigate through the negative publicity surrounding Gascón, it could potentially achieve significant recognition at the Oscars, possibly marking a milestone for Netflix if the film wins best picture. Gascón has issued an apology for her past comments and withdrew from promotional activities for the film, which further complicates the trajectory of Emilia Pérez as awards season continues. The attention received by both the César Awards and the controversies surrounding Gascón exemplify a broader cultural discussion regarding representation in cinema and the legacies of individuals within the film industry. The event highlighted the ongoing conversations about diversity, representation, and the necessity for critical engagement with historical contexts within modern storytelling. As award season progresses, the narrative surrounding Emilia Pérez could either bolster a significant moment for representation in film or further escalate debates on accountability in the artistic community.