The spotlight was on the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards held at the Shrine Exposition Hall in Los Angeles, but the absence of one of its prominent nominees, Karla Sofía Gascón, generated significant buzz. Gascón was nominated for her performance in the film Emilia Pérez, which features themes of identity and transformation involving its lead character, who grapples with leaving behind her life of crime to authentically embrace her identity as a woman.
While Gascón’s co-stars, Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldana, took the stage to introduce clips of the film, her conspicuous absence raised eyebrows. According to Page Six, Gascón’s non-attendance was attributed to the resurgence of old offensive tweets she had posted, including derogatory comments about various social issues, which led to considerable backlash. Past posts included disparaging remarks about George Floyd, labeling him as both "a drug addict and hustler," as well as anti-Muslim sentiments. This resurfacing has not only shocked audiences but also severely impacted her presence during awards season.
Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, features Gascón as the titular character, with Saldana portraying her lawyer and Gomez as her wife. Speaking about their experience on the film, Saldana remarked, “Emilia Pérez was a magical collaboration where we got to sing and dance, and explore the experience of being authentically yourself.” On the other hand, Gomez characterized the film as “a ride unlike any other,” giving audiences insight without Gascón's presence on the red carpet.
With awards season well underway, Gascón skipped not just the SAG Awards, but has been absent from the Critics' Choice Awards, PGA Awards, and even the BAFTAS of late. She did express her regrets previously, stating, “I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain.” This sentiment has not, apparently, placated stakeholder fears, as Netflix made the decision not to fund her for the awards season campaign, effectively sidelining her.
During the SAG Awards, Zoe Saldana took the opportunity to make acceptance speech reflecting on her own experience and the significance of representation. The actress secured the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her portrayal of Rita, indicating she could be the clear frontrunner for the Oscars next month, following her wins at the Golden Globes and BAFTAS. “I believe everybody has the right to be who they are, and Emilia Pérez is about truth and love,” Saldana stated, illustrating her deep commitment to the film's core themes.
Saldaña's response to the turmoil surrounding Gascón was poignant. “I’m still processing everything… and I’m sad. It makes me really sad because I don’t support it, and I don’t have any tolerance for any negative rhetoric toward people of any group,” she said during a film Q&A, underscoring the tension between artistic collaboration and personal accountability. Despite the outcry swirling around Gascón, Saldaña's presence and accolades have brought increased attention to the film, as she is now widely regarded as the awards season success story.
The controversy over Gascón's past actions certainly raises questions about the future of both her career and the potential impact on the film Emilia Pérez. Critics have pointed out how the portrayal of complex themes within this film has led to discussions beyond the screen, tying together conversations of race, gender, and identity. The Los Angeles wildfires and other external pressures have diverted attention, making the SAG Awards more than just about recognition but also about how these cultural dialogues are interwoven with personal reputation.
Looking forward to the Oscars, which are airing on March 2, all eyes will be on both Gascón—if she attends—and Saldaña, who is expected to continue her wave of accolades and recognition. While the film's success may signal promising narratives from Hollywood, the intertwined controversies surrounding its stars reveal there’s much more beneath the surface of this awards season than meets the eye.