Karla Sofía Gascón Attends 2025 Oscars Amid Controversies but Skips Red Carpet.
Karla Sofía Gascón made a notable appearance at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, despite being at the center of controversy over past offensive social media posts. The actress, nominated for Best Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, skipped the red carpet but was seen in the audience at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood just before the show began. Gascón, 52, wore a striking diamond-studded black dress with a single shoulder.
Controversy Surrounds Historic Nomination
Gascón, who stars as the titular character in Emilia Pérez, made history by becoming the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for an Oscar in the Best Actress category. However, her nomination has been overshadowed by the resurfacing of old social media posts that sparked backlash. These posts included comments critical of Muslim culture, George Floyd, and diversity issues, which led to accusations of racism.
In the wake of the controversy, Gascón deactivated her X account and issued several statements, including an apology for the hurt caused by her past remarks. On February 6, 2025, she posted on Instagram, acknowledging the damage caused by her words and expressing hope that Emilia Pérez would be appreciated for its message of love and diversity. “I sincerely apologize to everyone who has been hurt along the way,” she wrote.
Gascón’s Public Appearances After Backlash
Prior to the Oscars, Gascón had already skipped several major events, including the Oscar nominee dinner on February 25 at the Academy Museum. However, she did attend the 50th annual César Awards in Paris on February 28, where she was nominated for Best Actress. This marked her first appearance at a major event following the social media controversy.
Although she has faced criticism, Gascón is determined to continue her journey at the Oscars and beyond, with a particular focus on her groundbreaking role in Emilia Pérez. The film, a Mexico-set musical-thriller, garnered 13 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, making it the most-nominated film at this year’s Academy Awards.
Co-Star Zoe Saldaña Responds to the Backlash
Gascón’s co-star, Zoe Saldaña, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, publicly addressed the controversy in January. She expressed her sadness over the situation, stating, “I don’t have any tolerance for any negative rhetoric towards people of any group.” Saldaña also mentioned that, while disappointed by Gascón’s actions, she remained “proud” of the film’s message.
“I will always be a hopeful person,” said Saldaña. “While being that person, I can still stand by a body of work that I can be proud of.”
Looking Ahead: The Impact of the Scandal
As the 97th Academy Awards unfold, Gascón’s presence marks a significant moment for transgender representation in Hollywood. However, the ongoing controversy over her past actions raises questions about how her career and legacy will be shaped moving forward. Despite the backlash, her role in Emilia Pérez remains an important milestone in the industry’s evolving conversation around diversity, acceptance, and inclusion.
