Hey y’all,
The BAFTAs took place last night, and the Oscars are just around the corner. This awards season has been marked by a full-blown scandal that once again highlights the ruthless machinations of the Hollywood PR Machine and the superficial, self-serving politics of white women (cis and trans alike).
What was supposed to be a groundbreaking moment for Karla Sofía Gascón, the first openly trans actor nominated for an Academy Award, has turned into an utter disaster.
Journalist Sarah Hagi resurfaced Gascón’s old tweets filled with racism, Islamophobia, and transphobia—and now, she’s been dropped by co-stars, the film’s director, Jacques Audiard, and Netflix.
In today’s episode, I break down the controversy, the power of social media and IRL cancellations, and how this moment simultaneously propels and undermines the culture war. Is this accountability or just another example of how Hollywood moves when its image is at stake? Probably both.
Let KKKarla’s downfall serve as a reminder that identity alone doesn’t determine one’s politics. While she faced vile transmisogyny, she had no issue spewing racism and xenophobia herself.
Let’s discuss.
Talk soon,
Kim
✨Links & Resources✨
‘Emilia Pérez’ and the New Era of Online Oscar Scandals, New York Times
BAFTAs: ‘Conclave’ Wins Best Film in the Latest Awards Season Shake-up, New York Times
How Emilia Pérez Is Being Removed from the ‘Emilia Pérez’ Oscar Campaign, The Hollywood Reporter
Karla Sofía Gascón's posts derailed an Oscars run. In Spain, that raised eyebrows, NPR
Meet the Trans Actress Who Could Make Oscar History, New York Times
The Making of an All-Time Oscars Villain, Vulture
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