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The nominations for the 97th Academy Awards were released today.
As expected, the list features some stunning omissions alongside the recognition of new talent.
However, the most surprising revelation was the remarkable prominence of the film Emilia Perez.
Emilia Perez Poised for Oscar Success
This French-produced Netflix film has garnered an impressive 13 nominations, tying for the second-most in history.
This remarkable achievement places it alongside legendary films such as Gone With the Wind, Forrest Gump, and Oppenheimer.
Additionally, it surpassed all other films from 2024, with The Brutalist and Wicked trailing behind with only 10 nominations each.
It’s thrilling news considering that the most-nominated film this year is an exuberant musical featuring beloved stars like Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña, available on a streaming service that many already subscribe to. What more could one wish for?
However, it seems the celebratory atmosphere surrounding Emilia Perez may be tinged with controversy, not from the expected sources.
The narrative follows Manitas Del Monte, the imagined leader of a Mexican drug cartel, who undergoes a gender transition to become the titular character.
This unconventional storyline isn’t typical in mainstream cinema, and Emilia Perez deserves recognition for presenting narratives that are often overlooked.
Nevertheless, critics argue that the film handles these sensitive topics irresponsibly.
Critiques of Emilia Perez
One of the main points of critique is directed at French director Jacques Audiard for assembling a cast and crew that is predominantly non-Mexican, including actors who are not fluent in Spanish, such as Selena Gomez.
Audiard himself does not speak Spanish, and his responses to concerns about not filming in Mexico or adequately researching Mexican culture have often come off as careless.
In one notable instance, he countered critics by stating, “Did Shakespeare need to go all the way to Verona to write a story about that place?” BBC reported his remarks.
The film’s plot, which involves several contentious social issues, could lead one to assume it would attract criticism from conservative groups due to its portrayal of a transgender protagonist and narratives revolving around drug trafficking.
Ironically, the film has drawn considerable criticism not only from conservative factions but also from more progressive circles, questioning its treatment of sensitive themes.
Some observers who might typically celebrate the film for its representation of a transgender character have identified shortcomings, criticizing the portrayal as lacking nuance and sensitivity. They also noted the exclusion of I Saw the TV Glow—a film recognized for its thoughtful depiction of the transgender experience—from the Academy nominations entirely.
GLAAD condemned the film for presenting what they describe as “a profoundly retrograde portrayal of a trans woman.”
Critics have called it “a regressive movie that mistakes itself for being progressive” and compared it to Crash, a previous Academy darling known for its controversial reception, especially regarding its portrayal of sensitive subjects.
Critics like Sonny Bunch remarked, “I can’t believe EMILIA PEREZ received 13 Oscar nominations, one of the most bewildering moments in Oscar history.”
Other commentators echoed similar disbelief, with one stating, “Emilia Pérez, possibly the worst movie to achieve double-digit nominations, is baffling.”
The film’s mixed reception signals it may not strike a chord with mainstream audiences, leaving questions about the Oscars’ viewership for this year’s ceremony.
Read more about this topic:
Why Is a Film With 13 Oscar Nominations Receiving So Much Hate?
