Sacre bleu! The most-nominated movie for the 2025 Oscars is also the most controversial

Thirteen nominations for the Oscars and four Golden Globes have not been enough for the film 'Emilia Perez' to become the public's favorite - especially the Mexican public. Various controversies have circulated around this film, which makes it not only the most-nominated but also the most controversial.

One of the first controversies, if not the first, was led in early December 2024 by Mexican actor Eugenio Derbez, when he criticized Selena Gomez's performance in the film. "Selena Gomez's performance is indefensible. I saw the film with people, every time we saw a scene we turned to see each other and said 'wooow, what is this?'" the comedian also commented on the artist in the podcast 'Hablando de Cine con...', according to the newspaper Reforma.

Without entering into debates, Gomez later responded to Derbez's comments: "I understand where you are coming from… I'm sorry I did the best I could with the time I was given. Doesn't take away from how much work and heart I put into this movie," she posted.

Following French filmmaker Jacques Audiard's criticism of Selena for her performance and use of Spanish in the film, Derbez publicly apologized to the singer. "Dear Selena, I sincerely apologize for my careless comments. They are indefensible and go against everything I stand for. As Latinos, we must always support each other. There are no excuses," Eugenio said in a post on his official TikTok account.

Headlines such as ''Emilia Pérez', the film that has offended millions of Mexicans' reflect the feelings that this feature film may have aroused among the Mexican population. It focuses on Juan 'Manitas' del Monte, a Mexican drug trafficker who changes gender and assumes a new identity as Emilia Pérez - played by Karla Sofía Gascón. Then, the protagonist faces social and personal challenges arising from her transformation.

According to various reviews picked up by the Infobae website, the film shows a reductionist and stereotypical view of Mexico. Its representation of drug trafficking and the transgender community in the country is said to lack depth and cultural authenticity, especially due to the absence of national talent in key roles. Adriana Paz is the only Mexican actress present in the French film.

Furthermore, the (arguably derogatory) comments made about the film's topic by director Jacques Audiard raise the debate about how international cinema deals with issues that are sensitive to Mexicans, such as drug trafficking and violence against women.

In response to the film's stereotypes about Mexico, a group of independent filmmakers released the short film 'Johanne Sacreblu', a musical comedy tribute that pokes fun at Emilia Perez using French stereotypes, such as mimes, rats in the streets, and even Marienette from the animated series Lady Bug.

Photo: YouTube / Camila D. Aurora

Content creator Camila Aurora said that this short film is a direct criticism of the cultural clichés present in 'Emilia Pérez' and that it aims to show how cultural representation can fall into simplifications that do not reflect the reality of a country.

Photo: YouTube / Camila D. Aurora

The filmmaker has said in his defense that the central theme of his film is not drug trafficking, but the personal transformation of the protagonist. In a press conference, reported by MSN, Audiard said that he addressed the problems of Mexico with prudence and reflection; however, he was open to criticism: "If you think I'm doing it too lightly, I offer you an apology."

'Emilia Perez', the most recognized film of the season and nominated for the golden statuettes in Best Film, Director, Actress, and Best Supporting Actress, among others, did not have the success expected in its opening weekend in Mexico. On its first day, January 23, it grossed 1.5 million pesos and attracted only 20,000 spectators, according to Infobae. Thus, among its many controversies, it is speculated that the film will be a "resounding failure."

Internet users have posted images of empty seats on social media, which would prove the low attendance of the film.

In addition, the Mexican Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) had to intervene in response to the annoyance and dissatisfaction of viewers who asked the Cinépolis cinema chain for a refund 30 minutes after the film had started and who had not felt engaged by it in any way.

Women's and girls' rights activist and defender Artemisa Belmonte described the film as "offensive and frivolous" for treating the issue of forced disappearances in the film as a musical.

"You can't talk about the subject as if it were something to make a musical about," the activist said. "Hollywood doesn't dare make musicals about the Twin Towers or the Holocaust," the newspaper Milenio reported.

Meanwhile, Karla Sofía Gascón, who is the first transgender woman nominated for the Oscar for Best Actress, said she is glad that the film is so disruptive. She thinks it's good people talk about it in times when some countries are taking measures detrimental to the transgender community.

Reforma reported that the Spanish actress accused the critics of a campaign to discredit her and belittle her work in the feature film. "I don't understand how we can continue to go on like this in the world, going backward and making the same mistakes that we have made so many times in the past," she said.

"There is a struggle of backward people or people with little mental capacity who are against freedom and respect for a fair and equal society, and that is how we have to fight."

Mexican actor Eduardo Verástegui added more fuel to the fire. He said on X that the American Film Academy should change the category Gascón is competing in.
"I am finding out that this GENTLEMAN is on the list of nominees for the Oscar for best ACTRESS.... taking away a woman's nomination by using ideology and victimization to occupy a place on the list of NOMINEES that does not correspond to her."

"We cannot allow women, WOMEN, to see their achievements diminished, surpassed in their sports and displaced in their categories by MEN who feel entitled to occupy those places and categories just because they perceive themselves as women," she said on X, according to Reforma.

In any case, 'Emilia Pérez' is on everyone's lips, either because of its multiple nominations or because of the discontent it has caused among Mexican audiences who have seen the film. We will have to wait to find out if it wins as many Oscars as expected...

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