Karla Sofia Gascon Makes Oscar History with Best Actress Nomination
Karla Sofia Gascon, the star of the Spanish-language movie musical Emilia Perez, has made history as the first openly transgender female actor to earn an Academy Award nomination. Gascon is nominated for Best Actress, alongside Demi Moore (The Substance), Mikey Madison (Anora), Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), and Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here). This marks a groundbreaking moment in Oscar history, as it is the first time an openly trans actor has been recognized in this category. Gascon’s Role in Emilia Perez In Emilia Perez, Gascon portrays a Mexican drug kingpin who undergoes gender-affirming surgery and begins a new life as a social worker. The film, which also stars Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz, has been praised for its bold storytelling and strong performances. Gascon, reflecting on her role, said she hopes to use her platform to educate others about what it means to be trans. “I just want to live my life without anybody bothering me—everyone deserves to be themselves,” she shared in an earlier interview. A Trailblazing Career Born in Madrid, Gascon, 52, has had a prolific career spanning decades. After moving to Mexico in 2009, she became a familiar face in telenovelas like Hasta el fin del mundo and Llena de amor. Gascon began her transition journey in 2018 and was cast in Emilia Perez in 2022. Her path to the Oscars, however, has not been without challenges. Gascon revealed instances of prejudice during her campaign trail but has remained focused on her work, stating, “The light always wins over darkness.” Dominance at the 2025 Oscars Emilia Perez has emerged as a powerhouse at the 2025 Academy Awards with 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Jacques Audiard, and Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldana. The film’s songs, El Mal and Mi Camino, are also up for Best Original Song. Despite its success, the film faced criticism for the lack of Mexican representation in its lead cast and crew, as well as its depiction of the Mexican drug war. Golden Globe Triumph Earlier this month, Emilia Perez swept the Golden Globe Awards, winning four honors, including Best Non-English Language Motion Picture and Best Supporting Actress for Saldana. During her acceptance speech for Best Motion Picture, Gascon delivered an emotional message of resilience and self-acceptance, emphasizing the power of authenticity. As the Oscars approach, Emilia Perez and Gascon’s nomination have become a beacon of progress and representation in the film industry. The Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre.
Karla Sofia Gascon, the star of the Spanish-language movie musical Emilia Perez, has made history as the first openly transgender female actor to earn an Academy Award nomination. Gascon is nominated for Best Actress, alongside Demi Moore (The Substance), Mikey Madison (Anora), Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), and Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here).
This marks a groundbreaking moment in Oscar history, as it is the first time an openly trans actor has been recognized in this category.
Gascon’s Role in Emilia Perez
In Emilia Perez, Gascon portrays a Mexican drug kingpin who undergoes gender-affirming surgery and begins a new life as a social worker. The film, which also stars Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz, has been praised for its bold storytelling and strong performances.
Gascon, reflecting on her role, said she hopes to use her platform to educate others about what it means to be trans. “I just want to live my life without anybody bothering me—everyone deserves to be themselves,” she shared in an earlier interview.
A Trailblazing Career
Born in Madrid, Gascon, 52, has had a prolific career spanning decades. After moving to Mexico in 2009, she became a familiar face in telenovelas like Hasta el fin del mundo and Llena de amor. Gascon began her transition journey in 2018 and was cast in Emilia Perez in 2022.
Her path to the Oscars, however, has not been without challenges. Gascon revealed instances of prejudice during her campaign trail but has remained focused on her work, stating, “The light always wins over darkness.”
Dominance at the 2025 Oscars
Emilia Perez has emerged as a powerhouse at the 2025 Academy Awards with 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Jacques Audiard, and Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldana. The film’s songs, El Mal and Mi Camino, are also up for Best Original Song.
Despite its success, the film faced criticism for the lack of Mexican representation in its lead cast and crew, as well as its depiction of the Mexican drug war.
Golden Globe Triumph
Earlier this month, Emilia Perez swept the Golden Globe Awards, winning four honors, including Best Non-English Language Motion Picture and Best Supporting Actress for Saldana. During her acceptance speech for Best Motion Picture, Gascon delivered an emotional message of resilience and self-acceptance, emphasizing the power of authenticity.
As the Oscars approach, Emilia Perez and Gascon’s nomination have become a beacon of progress and representation in the film industry. The Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre.
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