Just six weeks ago “Emilia Pérez” got 13 Oscar nominations, more than any other film this year. Its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón, made history by becoming the first openly trans actor to be nominated and the film, a musical about a Mexican cartel boss, was seen as a real contender to win the Academy Award for best picture.
It did not work out that way.
Collapsing under the weight of award-season scandal after derogatory comments resurfaced that Gascón had posted years ago on social media, “Emilia Pérez” wound up winning just two Oscars: for best supporting actress and best original song (“El Mal”).
Its travails became a punchline during the opening monologue from the evening’s host, Conan O’Brien. “Little fact for you: ‘Anora’ uses the F-word 479 times,” he said. “That’s three more than the record set by Karla Sofia Gascón’s publicist.”
And even when its winners were supposed to be getting feted, they faced some of the only pointed questions of the night. Inside the press room, Cristina Ibañez, a journalist for a Mexican publication, confronted Zoe Saldaña, who won for best supporting actress, telling her bluntly that “Emilia Pérez” was “really hurtful for us Mexicans.” (The film, by the French writer-director Jacques Audiard, drew criticism in Mexico for its depiction of the country and the fact that few Mexicans were involved in the production.)
“First of all, I am very, very sorry that you and so many Mexicans felt offended,” Saldaña said. “That was never our intention. We came from a place of love, and I will stand by that.”
“I’m also always open to sit down with all of my Mexican brothers and sisters and with love and respect, have a great conversation on how ‘Emilia’ could have been done better,” she added later.
All told, it was a tough night for Netflix, Hollywood’s dominant streamer.
The company proudly displays the Oscars it has won in a glass case in the lobby of its headquarters. Yet nowhere among that gleaming gold is a statuette for best picture. Despite spending lavishly on its campaigns, it’s the one prize that has eluded the studio, much to the delight of its less successful competitors and to filmmakers who still chafe at Netflix’s resistance to theatrical releases. “Emilia Pérez” had been seen as a strong contender to win for best international feature this year, and some had thought it might finally win Netflix that best picture trophy.
Then, in January, the journalist Sarah Hagi resurfaced comments Gascón had posted on social media in which she denigrated Muslims, George Floyd and even the Oscars.
On Sunday night Brazil’s “I’m Still Here” won the international feature award over “Emilia Pérez.” And aside from its two wins for “Emilia Pérez,” Netflix claimed only one other trophy, in the documentary short film category.
One of the stars of the night, Sean Baker — who won four Oscars for “Anora” — tried to rally support for the moviegoing experience during a speech. “Where did we fall in love with the movies? At the movie theater,” he said. “It’s a communal experience you simply don’t get at home.”
During the ceremony Gascón, who kept a low profile for a nominee, walked out to the bar to get a drink, surrounded by a phalanx of people, including her daughter, her agent, a concerned publicist from Netflix and private security.
She was kissed by Adrien Brody, who chatted with her and went on to win for best actor. Approached by a reporter, Gascón was jovial and seemed interested in chatting, before the publicist shut down any more conversation.
Gascón fetched her drink, winked and blew a kiss before being whisked away.
