The Hollywood award season kicks off Sunday night at the 82nd annual Golden Globes — with Netflix’s gender-bending musical “Emilia Pérez” leading the way with a record-setting 10 motion picture nominations and FX’s “The Bear” carrying five nods to top television categories. Netflix has the most nominations in TV categories with 23, as well as in movie categories with 13.
Comedian Nikki Glaser is set to host the ceremony, known as “Hollywood’s Party of the Year.” It begins at 5 p.m. from the Beverly Hilton hotel and will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+. Glaser is known for her edgy and often scathing material on televised celebrity roasts — famously targeting former NFL quarterback Tom Brady last May. Yet she’s assured both fans and attendees, stating, “I just wanna do a good job and have everyone have fun.”
“Emilia Pérez,” directed by Jacques Audiard, tells the story of Jessi, the unsuspecting wife of drug cartel leader Karla Sofía Gascón, who fakes his death to transition gender. With this film, Gascón not only earned acknowledgment for her portrayal but also made history with multiple nominations recognizing this unique narrative. The film was nominated for best movie musical or comedy, alongside Gascón’s nod for best actress, and Audiard’s nominations for best director and best screenplay.
Bringing the film to life was not only groundbreaking for its bold narrative but for the dedication of co-stars like Selena Gomez. Speaking of her experience, Gomez shared, “When I read the script, I was completely drawn in. It was visceral, thought-provoking, and unlike anything I’d ever done.” Gomez, who performed entirely in Spanish for the role, acknowledged the challenges she faced saying, “I was nervous. Delivering dialogue and expressing emotions is so much more demanding than singing.”
Her commitment to the language led to success, as critics hailed her performance as one of the film’s highlights. “It felt empowering to embrace my heritage,” she noted, reflecting on the pride she took representing her cultural background on such a significant platform.
Working with Audiard provided Gomez with invaluable experience. Despite the director’s unfamiliarity with her past work—knowing her primarily from “A Rainy Day in New York”—Gomez felt validated by his lack of bias. “It was baffling at first, but it also felt incredibly validating. He believed I could bring Jessi to life.” Gomez added, “Jacques has this magical way of listening to the melody of language, even if he doesn’t understand it.”
“Emilia Pérez” not only leads with the nominations but also features prominent A-listers as presenters at the awards, including Glenn Close, Sharon Stone, and Dwayne Johnson. This star-studded environment sums up the excitement and high stakes surrounding the event.
On its road to the Golden Globes, “Emilia Pérez” first gained recognition at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was awarded the Jury Prize and collectively garnered attention for its powerful story. The film continues to resonate across diverse cultures, affirming its thematic exploration of love, identity, and acceptance.
Included among the prestigious nominations, “Emilia Pérez” competes against other notable films such as “Wicked,” “Anora,” and “The Substance.” The competition is fierce, but “Emilia Pérez,” with its unprecedented 10 nominations, positions itself as the frontrunner.
Selena Gomez’s venture with “Emilia Pérez” extends beyond acting; she embodies the evolution of representation within the industry. Speaking about the narrative’s importance, she remarked, “This story is about love and acceptance and is told boldly.” This statement encapsulates the heart of the film, underscoring the imperative for greater visibility of diverse stories.
Anticipation for the awards increases as the Golden Globes serves not only as recognition for the year’s accomplishments but as predictors for the upcoming Oscars. Historical data suggests the Globes significantly influence Academy award votes, reiteratively signifying how notable winners often transition to Oscar nominations.
Overall, the spotlight is unequivocally on “Emilia Pérez” during this prestigious season. Commencing its Hollywood ambitions with ten nominations, the film embodies the promise of new, inclusive narratives, shifting perspectives, and promising futures for its cast and crew.