Jacques Audiard backs Karla Sofia Gascon amid controversy

In the UK, at the BAFTA film awards on February 16, 2025, Jacques Audiard, the director of the film 'Emilia Pérez,' publicly expressed his support for Karla Sofia Gascon during his acceptance speech for best film not in the English language. The film, which features four women navigating challenges in Mexico, has garnered significant attention but is also entangled in a series of controversies following Gascon's resurfaced offensive tweets. These tweets, which included comments on severe societal issues and diversity, have caused a backlash against Gascon, leading to an ongoing struggle for the film within the awards circuit. Post the surfacing of these tweets, Gascon has issued multiple apologies, attempting to address the negative sentiments resulting from her previous statements. In his speech, Audiard not only highlighted Gascon's talent but also referred to her warmly, offering a gesture of solidarity by blowing her a kiss. This moment at the BAFTAs took place against the backdrop of the bustling film awards season, which culminates yearly in the Oscars, scheduled for March 2 this year. As the awards race intensifies, each controversy can significantly impact the films involved, making Audiard's supportive stance even more essential in navigating the fraught discourse surrounding Gascon. While 'Emilia Pérez' remains highly nominated and has the opportunity to claim a prominent position within this year's Oscars, the associated challenges presented by Gascon's past could critically derail its prospects. Critics and commentators will be paying close attention to how this situation unfolds as various films vie for top honors in this high-stakes environment. The fluctuating sentiment potentially signals a complex interaction between artistic expression and public accountability, raising questions about how personal conduct influences professional recognition in today’s societal context. The lead-up to the Oscars will likely see more discussions of this nature, with the film industry grappling with the implications of past behavior among its figures. As the City of Los Angeles gears up for the Oscars, the ripple effect of Gascon's comments continues to be felt, and how well 'Emilia Pérez' manages to navigate this tempest will be crucial in discerning its overall reception within both the industry and the public at large.