The Netflix musical-thriller Emilia Pérez has sparked heated debates among fans and critics alike. Despite being lauded with an astonishing 13 Oscar nominations, including groundbreaking recognition for its diverse cast, the movie has been bombarded with harsh criticism on social media. With a star-studded lineup featuring Adriana Paz, Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldana, and Karla Sofia Gascon, the film has both inspired and outraged audiences since its release last year.
Set in Mexico, Emilia Pérez tells the story of a lawyer who receives an extraordinary offer to help a notorious cartel boss retire and “become the woman he’s always dreamed of being.” The film’s bold narrative and vibrant musical elements earned it a Jury Prize at the 77th Cannes Film Festival and a Best Actress ensemble award, yet its journey to the Oscars has been far from smooth.
Karla Sofia Gascon, who made history as the first openly trans actress to earn an Oscar nomination, and Zoe Saldana, nominated for Best Supporting Actress, represent monumental achievements in inclusivity. However, their stellar performances were overshadowed by widespread outrage at the film’s 13 nominations, which include nods for Best Picture, Best International Feature Film, and Best Director. Fans on social media questioned the Academy’s decision, with some labeling the movie “the worst ever” and expressing dismay over its recognition in categories like editing and original song.
One fan tweeted, “I can’t even wrap my head around Emilia Pérez getting THIRTEEN (13!!!) #Oscars nominations. Quite possibly the worst movie ever… Baffling.” Another lamented, “It breaks my heart because Zoe Saldana absolutely deserves Academy recognition… but not for THIS film.” Comments like these reflect the polarizing reception the film continues to face, despite its accolades.
Critics and fans alike have dissected its musical numbers, editing, and overall execution. While some praise its audacity and originality, others have compared its quality unfavorably to more critically acclaimed films like Dune: Part Two and Challengers, which missed out on certain nominations. Even the film’s original songs, “El Mal” and “Mi Camino,” were criticized for being “lost in translation.”
The controversy surrounding Emilia Pérez doesn’t end there. Selena Gomez, a key member of the cast, did not receive an individual nomination, leading some fans to wonder about the Academy’s choices in highlighting certain performances over others.
Despite the backlash, there are those who champion the film’s uniqueness and cultural representation. Editor-in-Chief Nina Garcia described it as “a miracle of a movie” during its premiere, lauding its audacity and originality. Selena Gomez also reflected on the camaraderie between the cast, noting in an interview, “The sisterhood ended up becoming what got us through. I’m so glad that I’m not doing a bunch of scary things on my own.”
The 2025 Oscar nominations list sees Emilia Pérez standing shoulder to shoulder with heavyweights like Wicked, Dune: Part Two, and The Substance. While its presence among the nominees is undeniable, it raises larger questions about the Academy’s evolving criteria for recognition and the balance between artistic merit and cultural significance.
Whether Emilia Pérez is an audacious masterpiece or a cinematic misstep, it has undoubtedly ignited conversations about representation, storytelling, and the evolving landscape of the film industry. As the Oscars draw nearer, fans and critics alike will be watching to see if this polarizing film continues its streak or falls short of the ultimate prize. Regardless of the outcome, Emilia Pérez has solidified its place in Hollywood history and sparked a dialogue that will likely influence the industry for years to come.
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