Oscar Speculations: Will Emilia Pérez Hit the Gold or Miss the Mark?
Published On: January 23rd, 2025
The 97th Academy Awards are shaping up to be a year of unexpected turns. Amid the backdrop of devastating Los Angeles wildfires, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences extended the voting deadline by five days, a rare move that has sparked questions about its impact on the nominations. Could this extension provide underdog films with a boost? Or will the chaos surrounding the fires stifle voter turnout among those directly affected? This year, the road to Oscar gold is as unpredictable as ever, and Emilia Pérez, Jacques Audiard’s polarizing crime-musical, is at the center of heated debates.
Setting the stage: The Academy’s year of complications
The delayed voting isn’t the only curveball this awards season. Critics and insiders alike have speculated about how these circumstances could influence the Oscars. With Netflix’s Emilia Pérez projected to receive up to 14 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón, the film seems poised to make history. Yet, as the Academy faces growing scrutiny for diversity and authenticity, Emilia Pérez might be walking a tightrope.
The film’s Golden Globe success—winning four awards, including Best Motion Picture—has cemented its frontrunner status. However, its reception has been far from unanimous. Praised for its ambition and criticized for its faux representation, the movie is emblematic of the larger debates surrounding Hollywood’s portrayal of marginalized communities. But before diving into its Oscar prospects, let’s take a look at the competition.
Frontrunners in the race
This year’s awards landscape features a mix of established auteurs and daring newcomers. Conclave, Dune: Part Two, and Wicked are vying for Best Picture alongside Emilia Pérez. Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) and Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here) are strong contenders in the Best Actress category, making Gascón’s path to the Oscar far from guaranteed. Meanwhile, Sing Sing and The Brutalist have received critical acclaim for their originality, further complicating the race.
The case for Emilia Pérez
On the surface, Emilia Pérez offers everything the Academy loves: an ambitious narrative, socially relevant themes, and striking visuals. The film’s central performances by Gascón and Zoe Saldaña have been lauded for their earnestness, with Gascón potentially becoming the first openly transgender acting nominee. The cinematography, helmed by Paul Guilhaume, captures the film’s lush, operatic tone, while the original score by Clément Ducol adds depth to its musical numbers.
But the film’s real ace might be its narrative boldness. By intertwining themes of personal transformation with Mexico’s drug cartel violence, Emilia Pérez attempts to deliver a story about redemption, identity, and taking charge of one’s narrative. Its technical team, including Yves Saint Laurent’s Anthony Vaccarello for costume design, brings undeniable craftsmanship to the table. Yet, does the film’s ambition translate into true excellence?
The case against Emilia Pérez
Critics have not held back in their assessment of Emilia Pérez, highlighting significant flaws that could derail its Oscar hopes. Chief among these is its portrayal of trans and Mexican identities. Many have argued that the film reduces transitioning to a simplistic metaphor for absolution, a narrative choice that feels both offensive and tone-deaf. Similarly, its depiction of Mexico—filtered through a European lens—leans heavily on stereotypes, portraying the country as a land rife with violence and despair.
Even its celebrated musical elements have drawn ire. Songs like “El Mal” and the infamous “La Vaginoplastia” number have been mocked for their lack of lyrical and vocal finesse. Additionally, Selena Gomez’s poorly pronounced Spanish has been publicly criticized as a glaring misstep. Critics have also pointed out that the film’s pacing and narrative structure often feel disjointed, failing to fully explore its complex themes.
A polarizing experience
Having recently watched the film, I find myself torn. While the film’s ambition and originality are undeniable, its execution leaves much to be desired. The performances, while earnest, are undermined by a script that often feels inauthentic and clunky. The use of transitioning as a plot device, rather than a nuanced exploration of identity, cheapens the film’s intended message. And while the cinematography and costumes shine, they cannot mask the movie’s deeper issues.
The Oscars have a history of rewarding films that feel “important” but falter upon closer examination. Remember Crash (2006) or Green Book (2019)? Both films were hailed as socially conscious during their respective Oscar campaigns but have since been widely derided. Could Emilia Pérez follow in their footsteps?
Final thoughts
Ultimately, Emilia Pérez raises important questions about the role of representation in cinema. While it strives to break new ground, it often stumbles under the weight of its own ambition. As the Oscars approach, the film’s fate will depend on whether voters value its intentions over its execution.
For those curious to judge for themselves, Emilia Pérez is currently streaming on Netflix. For viewers outside supported regions, a reliable VPN can unlock access. Just remember: temper your expectations. While this film might not be the masterpiece its campaign suggests, it’s a fascinating—if flawed—entry in this year’s awards race.
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