Jacques Audiard's film Emilia Pérez has shattered records this awards season, leading the 2025 Oscar nominations with 13 nods, including best picture and best director, making it the most nominated non-English language film ever recognized by the Academy. The film's innovative approach to storytelling, tackling themes of identity and redemption through the lens of the Mexican drug trade, has catapulted it to the forefront of the cinematic conversation.
Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize and Best Actress for lead Karla Sofía Gascón, Emilia Pérez tells the story of its titular character, once known as Manitas Del Monte, who embarks on a transformational quest to embrace her true self after years entangled in cartel violence. With the backdrop of Mexico, the film portrays the character's struggle and acceptance through surgeries and personal reinvention, which has ignited both acclaim and controversy.
Beyond its narrative, the film has sparked significant discussions around representation. Karla Sofía Gascón's nomination as the first openly trans actor for Best Actress marks a milestone for the Oscars, shining a light on the importance of authentic representation within the industry. Zoe Saldaña, who plays lawyer Rita Mora, is also nominated for Best Supporting Actress, contributing to the film's recognition.
Despite its accolades, the film's reception has not been universally positive. Critics have raised concerns about its portrayal of Mexican culture and its sensationalist approach to serious topics. The film has faced backlash for its perceived lack of cultural authenticity, with Mexican audiences expressing discomfort over the film's depiction of societal issues like drug violence.
The Academy Awards, originally set for January 17, faced delays due to devastating wildfires affecting Southern California, which heightened the gravity surrounding this year’s nominations. Academy president Janet Yang emphasized the resilience of the film community, stating, “This has certainly been a difficult time for Los Angeles… our film industry and Los Angeles are resilient.”
The wildfires, which resulted in tragic loss of life and destruction, cast a somber tone over the nominations, as many industry members grappled with personal losses and the challenges presented by the crisis. The 97th Academy Awards, now scheduled for March 2, 2025, will recognize not just the year’s cinematic achievements, but also the strength demonstrated by those affected by the fires.
Audiard's Emilia Pérez is not alone at the Oscars, as fellow contenders include epic narratives like The Brutalist and the musical adaptation of Wicked, both garnering ten nominations each. The competitive nature of this year's nominations highlights the diversity of storytelling being recognized, from intimate portraits of identity to grand narratives about society.
While the film has divided critics—some praising its boldness and others condemning its execution—it undeniably contributes to the larger conversation about the intersection of film and social issues. The recognition the film receives this awards season may prove pivotal for discussions around LGBTQ+ representation and the importance of nuanced storytelling.
With nominations for several technical categories such as cinematography and original score, Audiard’s work is as ambitious as it is controversial. The score, composed by Camille and Clément Ducol, has received nods for both original score and original song, showcasing the film's musical elements which intertwine with its narrative to create emotional depth.
Looking at the broader picture of the awards season, it's clear this year's Oscars are about more than just artistic achievements; they are about resilience and recognition. The stakes are high as many await to see how the ceremony will address recent challenges, with calls for solidarity among those within the industry reaffirmed as they cultivate community.
For now, Emilia Pérez stands poised to make history not just through its nominations at the Oscars but also by breaking barriers for its representation of marginalized voices. The discussions it sparks about identity, culture, and systemic issues could pave the way for more substantive representations of diverse narratives in the future.
With the Oscars fast approaching, anticipation builds around the impact of nominations like Emilia Pérez. Its combination of compelling subject matter and significant achievements provides both substance and spectacle, promising to keep viewers entranced.