Netflix has officially withdrawn its support for Karla Sofia Gascon’s Oscar campaign following backlash over resurfaced offensive social media posts. Gascon, 52, was in the running for the Best Actress award at the upcoming Academy Awards for her role as a transgender crime boss in Jacques Audiard’s musical Emilia Perez. However, a string of past tweets mocking George Floyd, Muslims, and the COVID-19 pandemic has derailed her awards push.
Despite issuing multiple public apologies, including an emotional CNN interview, Gascon has struggled to recover from the controversy. Netflix has reportedly distanced itself from the actress, shifting its promotional focus toward her co-star Zoe Saldana. As awards season progresses, it appears that Gascon’s once-promising Oscar bid has come to a screeching halt.
Netflix Distances Itself From Gascon’s Controversy
Netflix, which had been actively campaigning for Gascon’s Best Actress bid, has now removed her from promotional efforts due to the escalating backlash. According to reports, the streaming giant has scrubbed her name from promotional emails and plans to feature Zoe Saldana more prominently in marketing materials for Emilia Perez. This shift signals Netflix’s clear intent to limit the damage caused by Gascon’s resurfaced comments.
Additionally, Gascon is unlikely to attend pre-Oscar promotional events in Los Angeles, further isolating her from the awards season spotlight. The decision underscores how studios and streaming platforms are increasingly prioritizing public perception and distancing themselves from stars embroiled in controversy.
Despite the fallout, Emilia Perez continues to be a major player in awards season, having already won four Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. However, Gascon’s involvement in the film has now become a liability, making it unlikely that Netflix will continue to advocate for her Oscar campaign.
Gascon’s Past Posts Resurface and Spark Backlash
The controversy erupted when old posts from Gascon’s X (formerly Twitter) account resurfaced, some dating as far back as 2016. Screenshots of these posts, widely shared by writer Sarah Hagi, highlighted Gascon’s offensive remarks about Muslims, George Floyd, and COVID-19. In one post, she mocked Muslim dress and suggested Islam should be banned.
Her remarks about George Floyd, made less than a month after his murder, were particularly disturbing. Gascon dismissed the global outrage over his death, calling him a “drug addict swindler” and arguing that “very few people ever cared” about him. These statements have been widely condemned, especially given the film industry’s vocal stance on racial and social justice issues.
Gascon attempted to salvage her reputation by issuing a public apology and participating in a tearful CNN interview, where she repeatedly denied being racist. However, her efforts have largely failed to win back public support, with many calling for Netflix and the Academy to take further action against her.
Gascon’s Historic Nomination Now in Jeopardy
Karla Sofia Gascon’s role in Emilia Perez had positioned her as a groundbreaking figure in the industry, making history as the first transgender performer to be nominated for an Oscar in the Best Actress category. Before transitioning in 2018, she was a well-known figure in Mexican telenovelas, and her performance in Emilia Perez was widely praised for its depth and intensity.
Despite this milestone, the scandal surrounding her past remarks has overshadowed her achievements. Some supporters argue that Gascon should not be defined solely by past mistakes, while others insist that her comments reflect deep-seated biases that are incompatible with the values of the Academy Awards.
In her official statement addressing the controversy, Gascon expressed regret and remorse, saying: “As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain.” She further emphasized that she has spent her life fighting for a better and more inclusive world. However, given the severity of the backlash, her Oscar hopes may be beyond redemption.
What This Means for Emilia Perez and the Academy Awards
Despite the controversy surrounding Gascon, Emilia Perez remains a strong contender at the 2025 Academy Awards, boasting 13 nominations. The film has been well-received throughout the awards circuit, with critics praising its bold storytelling and performances. Its success at the Golden Globes further solidified its place as one of the year’s most talked-about films.
However, Gascon’s scandal poses a reputational risk to both Netflix and the Academy. The Oscars have faced criticism in the past for failing to address controversies surrounding its nominees, and this situation places added pressure on the Academy to take a firm stance. Some speculate that the backlash could impact Emilia Perez‘s overall chances of winning major awards, particularly if the controversy continues to dominate headlines.
As the Oscars approach, all eyes will be on how Netflix, the Academy, and Emilia Perez‘s production team navigate this growing controversy. Will Gascon’s past overshadow the film’s success, or will the industry choose to separate the performance from the performer? Only time will tell.