Zoe Saldaña is navigating a complex landscape as she celebrates her first-ever Academy Award nomination for her role in Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez.” The film has garnered significant acclaim, racking up 13 nominations, including best picture and a nod for lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón. However, the joy of this milestone has been overshadowed by controversy surrounding Gascón’s past social media comments, which have sparked intense public discourse.
The controversy erupted when journalist Sarah Hagi shared screenshots of Gascón’s old posts that were deemed Islamophobic and critical of George Floyd, the Black man whose death in 2020 ignited global protests against racial injustice. Saldaña, who is considered a frontrunner for the best supporting actress category, has found herself grappling with the implications of her co-star’s remarks both publicly and privately.
In a recent episode of Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast, Saldaña expressed her sadness and disappointment regarding Gascón’s comments. She emphasized that while she cannot speak for others, her own experience during the filming of “Emilia Pérez” was rooted in inclusivity and collaboration. “It’s sad that we are here,” she lamented, reflecting on the dissonance between the film’s positive environment and the negative rhetoric that has emerged.
Despite the turmoil, Saldaña is determined to reclaim her joy as an Oscar nominee. She acknowledged the support she has received amid the controversy, stating, “I’m taking it day by day and that joy is starting to kind of come back again.” Saldaña is taking her time to process the situation, indicating that there is no rush to resolve the emotional complexities that have arisen from the backlash.
In a clear stance against racism and bigotry, Saldaña articulated her commitment to standing against negative rhetoric. “I do not support any negative rhetoric of racism and bigotry towards any group of people. So that is what I want to stand for,” she asserted, reinforcing her values in the face of adversity.
The fallout from Gascón’s comments has been significant. Following the backlash, Gascón, who made history as the first openly transgender actress nominated for an Oscar, issued an apology during an interview with CNN en Español. However, she maintained that she would not withdraw from the Oscars race, asserting, “I have not committed any crime nor have I harmed anyone.”
French director Jacques Audiard, who helmed “Emilia Pérez,” has distanced himself from Gascón, stating that he has not communicated with her since the controversy began. He expressed sadness over the situation, noting that Gascón’s offensive posts have overshadowed the film’s achievements and affected their once-trustful relationship.
As the Academy Awards ceremony approaches, Netflix is reportedly taking steps to distance itself from Gascón in an effort to salvage the film’s overall Oscar campaign. Sources indicate that Gascón is no longer expected to attend key events leading up to the ceremony, including the AFI Awards luncheon and the Critics Choice Awards.
The situation remains fluid as the Oscars draw nearer, with the film’s cast and crew preparing for a series of promotional events. Saldaña’s journey through this tumultuous period highlights the challenges faced by artists in the public eye, especially when personal actions of co-stars can impact the collective experience of a project. As she continues to process the events surrounding “Emilia Pérez,” Saldaña’s resilience and commitment to her values shine through, reminding us of the complexities of navigating fame in a world where social media can amplify both achievements and controversies.
