Netflix has finally broken its silence regarding the controversy surrounding Emilia Pérez, its highly acclaimed Oscar contender. The film, which has received 13 Academy Award nominations, has been overshadowed by backlash against its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón, due to resurfaced racist tweets from her past.
Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria spoke about the issue on The Town podcast, expressing disappointment that the scandal has taken attention away from the film’s artistic achievements. “I think it’s really a bummer for the 100 incredibly talented people who made an amazing movie,” Bajaria said, highlighting the work of director Jacques Audiard and co-stars like Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez.
The controversy has also led Netflix to reconsider its approach to vetting talent’s social media history. Bajaria acknowledged that while it’s not currently standard practice to screen social media accounts extensively, the uproar has sparked discussions within the industry about whether that should change. “A lot of people are reevaluating that,” she noted. However, she also pointed out the logistical challenges of monitoring thousands of individuals involved in Netflix productions.
Despite the backlash, Bajaria reaffirmed Netflix’s support for the film. “If you ask me today, everything I know, we would still buy the movie today. That movie is incredible, and it’s creative and bold.”
Gascón, the first openly transgender performer to receive an Oscar nomination in an acting category, has repeatedly apologized for her past remarks. Selena Gomez also addressed the situation at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, saying, “Some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done.”
As the awards season progresses, the fate of Emilia Pérez at the Oscars remains uncertain. However, Netflix’s response signals an industry-wide conversation about accountability, redemption, and the evolving role of social media in shaping Hollywood careers.
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Source: Hollywood Reporter
Photo Credit: Netflix
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