‘Emilia Perez’ finally won two Oscars, but silence on trans issues, Mexican criticism sparks backlash

Controversial Spanish-language film Emilia Pérez wins two Oscars, sparking backlash for lack of trans rights advocacy.

Despite its controversial run through awards season, Emilia Pérez took home two Oscars on Sunday night, with Zoe Saldaña winning Best Supporting Actress and the film’s musical number “El Mal” securing Best Original Song. However, what should have been a moment of jubilation for the Spanish-language French musical was overshadowed by disappointment from viewers and activists alike — none of the winners used their platform to speak about trans rights, despite the film’s central theme revolving around a transgender character.

The film follows the journey of Emilia Pérez, a Mexican cartel leader who transitions with the help of a lawyer, played by Saldaña. Since its release, Emilia Pérez has been met with both acclaim and criticism, with many finding its portrayal of Mexico and transgender identity problematic. Director Jacques Audiard’s admission that he did little research on Mexico only fueled the backlash, and the controversy intensified after lead actor Karla Sofía Gascón — who made history as the first openly transgender performer nominated for Best Actress — was exposed for past problematic tweets.

Following the wins on Sunday, viewers were quick to notice the absence of any mention of trans rights during the acceptance speeches. While Saldaña grew emotional on stage, she spoke about being a child of immigrants but made no reference to the trans community. When Audiard later had an opportunity to address the issue in the Oscars press room, he declined, saying via an interpreter, “Since I didn’t win Best Film or Best Director, I didn’t have the opportunity to speak. But had I had that opportunity, I would have spoken up.” His remark, paired with laughter as he stepped away from the mic, was widely criticised on social media, with many pointing out that he had just been given a chance to speak and chose not to.

Adding to the controversy, Saldaña also addressed the backlash against the film’s depiction of Mexico after a journalist noted that it had been “really hurtful for us Mexicans.” The actress offered an apology but maintained that the film was never meant to be about Mexico specifically. “First of all, I’m very, very sorry that many Mexicans felt offended. That was never our intention,” she said. “For me, the heart of this movie was not Mexico. We were making a film about friendship… These women could have been Russian, could have been Dominican, could have been Black from Detroit, could have been from Israel, could have been from Gaza.”

Her response sparked further debate, with many arguing that erasing the film’s Mexican setting ignored valid criticisms from those who felt misrepresented.

Despite leading the Oscars with 13 nominations, Emilia Pérez ultimately lost in 11 categories, tying it with The Color Purple and The Power of the Dog as one of the most-nominated films to win the fewest awards.