Karla Sofía Gascón, the first openly trans actor nominated for an Oscar, has recently shared her heartfelt reflections on the tumultuous experience of awards season. Despite her groundbreaking nomination, Gascón’s journey was marred by controversy when offensive social media posts resurfaced just a month before the prestigious ceremony. In her candid statements, she described the experience as an “unexpected, devastating storm” that left her feeling more exposed than ever before.
"Absurd and even delirious accusations were thrown at me, which deeply hurt my spirit," Gascón reflected. She described the overwhelming nature of the situation, stating, “Things escalated to a point, and so quickly, that I couldn’t even breathe.” She emphasized the emotional toll the controversy took on her, leading her to contemplate devastating thoughts. "If I, with all my strength, am on the edge, what would have become of someone with fewer emotional resources to resist this onslaught?" she pondered.
As the Oscars approached, there appeared to be a shift in the attitudes of both Netflix and director Jacques Audiard. The studio offered to cover Gascón’s expenses for attending the César awards in Paris, and Audiard publicly acknowledged her in a Bafta acceptance speech, a move some speculate was influenced by concerns for her mental health. This change came as a relief to many, as insiders voiced worries about the handling of Gascón’s public image and the responsibility owed to her as a newcomer to international fame.
Though Emilia Pérez entered the Oscars with an impressive 13 nominations, it ultimately secured just two awards: supporting actress for Zoe Saldaña and best song for "El Mal". During the ceremony, host Conan O’Brien referenced the controversy in a light-hearted joke, which served as a reminder of the media storm surrounding Gascón during this pivotal moment.
In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter post-ceremony, Gascón expressed her gratitude for being part of the event, stating, “I loved the ceremony, honestly, I found it very enjoyable.” She lamented how she wished to have experienced the event without the weight of controversy overshadowing her nomination.
In her extensive statement, Gascón shared profound insights gained from her turbulent experience. She stressed that “hatred, like fire, cannot be put down with more hatred” and emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes. “Offences cannot be erased with more offences,” she noted, acknowledging the need for empathy and understanding in the face of adversity.
Gascón reaffirmed her commitment to advocate for oppressed minorities, stating, “You will always find me on the opposite side of fanaticism, imposition, patriarchy, fascism, dictatorships, terror, abuse, and irrationality.” She underscored her dedication to being a force of change, embodying a path of compassion and forgiveness.
In her heartfelt message, Gascón also highlighted the necessity of addressing mental health issues, particularly in the wake of public scrutiny and personal hardship. She reflected on her own struggles, recognizing that many individuals may not possess the resources to cope with similar challenges.
As she navigates the aftermath of this “brutal winter,” Gascón is determined to continue her journey of personal growth and social advocacy. She concluded her statement with a powerful message about the significance of empathy, urging society to foster a world where differences are celebrated rather than condemned.
For those struggling with mental health issues, Gascón’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help and support. If you or someone you know is in need of immediate assistance, resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.) at 988, Samaritans (UK and Ireland) at 116 123, and Lifeline (Australia) at 13 11 14 are available for those in crisis.
