Karla Sofía Gascón has made history as the first-ever openly trans actress to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress, an incredible milestone that highlights the growing recognition of transgender talent in the entertainment industry. On January 23, 2025, Gascón’s name was announced as one of the Best Actress contenders for her powerful performance in Emilia Pérez. At 52 years old, Gascón joins a competitive field, facing off against other nominees like Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Mikey Madison (Anora), Demi Moore (The Substance), and Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here).
Emilia Pérez tells the story of a Mexican cartel leader, played by Gascón, who enlists the help of a powerful attorney (Zoe Saldaña) to facilitate gender-affirming surgery for Gascón’s character. The film is a genre-bending musical that blends elements of action, drama, and comedy in a unique storytelling approach, earning praise for its originality. The film, currently streaming on Netflix, has also garnered several other Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director (Jacques Audiard), Best Supporting Actress (Zoe Saldaña), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best International Feature.
Reflecting on her role in Emilia Pérez, Gascón shared her excitement about the unconventional nature of the film in an interview with Netflix’s Tudum, describing it as “such a great gift” and something she is incredibly proud to be part of. She also delivered a powerful speech at the Golden Globes on January 5, where Emilia Pérez won Best Motion Picture—Comedy or Musical. In her speech, Gascón voiced support for marginalized communities, emphasizing resilience, dignity, and self-acceptance. She said, “You can maybe put us in jail, you can beat us up, but you never can take away our soul, or our resistance, or our dignity. Raise your voice. I am who I am; know who you are.”
This recognition follows her Best Actress win at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024, cementing her as one of the most celebrated performers of the year. Gascón’s Oscar nomination is a momentous step for representation and diversity in Hollywood, signaling a significant change in the industry’s inclusivity.