The Spanish musical crime film has received 13 nominations at the 97th Academy Awards.
Emilia Perez was released in August 2024. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Perez has garnered a remarkable 13 nominations at the 97th Academy Awards, announced just a week ago. Featuring Karla Sofia Gascon, Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz, the Spanish crime comedy musical has sparked controversy online. Despite its impressive haul of nominations, the film has failed to win over critics and audiences alike, leaving many confused and questioning its place in this year’s Oscar race.
Not only did Audiard’s Emilia Perez score impressive nominations at the 97th Oscars, but it has also secured several awards at other prestigious events. However, the Spanish thriller is facing growing criticism, particularly for its perceived lack of authentic representation of Mexican culture. Many people on the internet are voicing their discontent, with some questioning how the film garnered such recognition, especially given its lukewarm reception among audiences, particularly Mexicans.
Hector Guillen, a Mexican screenwriter, took to X (formerly Twitter) to call out the film. Tagging the Academy Awards, he wrote, “Mexico hates Emilia Perez/ Racist Euro Centrist Mockery/ Almost 500K dead and France decides to do a musical,” referencing the Mexican drug war, which has caused nearly 500,000 deaths since 2006. His post has been viewed over 2.7 million times.
Many online users have criticised French director Jacques Audiard, accusing him of failing to properly understand Mexican culture and language, which they believe impacted the authenticity of Emilia Perez.
One user said, “The French director, Jacques Audiard, has admitted that he did not even make an effort to learn more about Mexican culture for his “Mexican” film.”
The French director, Jacques Audiard, has admitted that he did not even make an effort to learn more about Mexican culture for his “Mexican” film. pic.twitter.com/XYyh3NxzHT
— mira
Another user mentioned, “Emilia Perez is one of disgust and outrage, especially over the Holocaust comparison. Frustration and disappointment are rife due to cultural insensitivity and casting controversies.” Meanwhile, someone else said that Emilia Perez is the “Worst movie of the century.”
For the unversed, Emilia Perez’s stars have also come under the fire of people on the internet due to their past controversies. Zoe Saldana, who plays Rita Mora Castro, a struggling attorney in Mexico City, is facing renewed criticism for her portrayal of Nina Simone in 2016, where she was accused of blackface. Meanwhile, Sofia Gascon, who portrays the titular character, has upset people by comparing the criticism she faced to the Holocaust.
