Karla Sofía Gascón, the lead actress of Emilia Pérez, was absent from the 2024 Goya Awards in Spain, where the film won Best European Film. Her absence followed controversy over past racist and Islamophobic comments that resurfaced, leading to discussions between event organizers and Gascón.
During the acceptance speech, representatives from the film’s Spanish distributors acknowledged her while calling for “more cinema, more culture” in response to “hatred and ridicule,” a statement that received applause from the audience.
Spanish director Juan Antonio Bayona, who was on the Cannes jury that awarded Emilia Pérez’s four female leads—including Gascón—the Best Actress prize, weighed in on the situation. Speaking to El País, he expressed disappointment over the controversy, stating, “Everything that is happening with Emilia Pérez makes me sad because there is a great film behind it.” He acknowledged Gascón’s offensive remarks, calling them “inexcusable,” but also warned against excessive backlash, saying, “There is a lynching around Karla Sofía Gascón… and we have to put the brakes on a little and also think about the film and all the people who have worked on that film.”
The controversy has led Gascón to scale back her awards-season appearances. She skipped the Critics Choice Awards, where she was nominated for Best Actress, and was also absent at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards. At the DGA ceremony, Emilia Pérez director Jacques Audiard acknowledged Gascón while accepting a medallion for his nomination but later told Deadline, “I haven’t spoken to her, and I don’t want to.”
Despite the controversy, Emilia Pérez continues to earn recognition. The film’s Goya win was expected, as ballots had been submitted before Gascón’s comments resurfaced. Additionally, Zoë Saldaña, who co-stars in the film, won Best Supporting Actress at the Critics Choice Awards, suggesting the film may still have momentum.
With Emilia Pérez securing 13 Oscar nominations, the biggest question now is whether Gascón will attend the Academy Awards.