Oscar Winner Responds to Karla Sofía Gascón Twitter Slam (Guest Column)

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On this Thursday afternoon, almost 5 o’clock, I – the Academy Award-winning Travon Free – am nestled in front of my TV screen, with the Academy Screening Room app at hand, perusing this year’s nominees. I’ve managed to catch most of the nominated films at least once, but there are a couple of documentaries left on my must-watch list.

Then, a text appears from my buddy Jason.

“So, are you guys going to have to make a statement about this?”

Whoa there! I don’t quite understand why I’d need to create a film when I haven’t collaborated with Blake Lively or Justin Baldoni yet. Curiosity getting the best of me, I inquire, “What gives?” He then shares one of the numerous screenshots of tweets from Karla Sofía Gascón, which have been circulating lately. In this specific tweet directed at the Emilia Pérez Oscars campaign, it seems like Mama Gascón isn’t too thrilled about the 2021 Oscars, also known as “the COVID Oscars.

She referred to the event as both an “Afro-Korean festival” and a “Black Lives Matter rally,” and added, “They overlooked giving an award to my cousin’s short film.” Frankly, I would be thrilled to go to an Afro-Korean festival — I imagine the food would be delicious. However, I was someone who had never been heard of before, yet I was nominated for a short film titled “Two Distant Strangers” which resonated with Black Lives Matter ideals. That same night, I ended up winning her cousin’s award and celebrated as if I were an overly enthusiastic robot (I am not a robot). My apologies!

Originally hailing from Compton, my initial response to this situation was to tap into my inner Kendrick Lamar and express myself in a defiant manner similar to his song “Not Like Us.” In fact, my friends and I had an impromptu discussion about it in our group chat, brainstorming various ways to outshine Karla with my Oscar or post something sarcastic like “This is the closest you’ll get to one this year.” However, I paused for a moment, and during that pause, I found myself observing the widespread criticism on social media aimed at Mama Gascón for her alleged racism and Islamophobia.

As a passionate gamer, I couldn’t just let it slide when her words stung. Despite their harsh tone, I recognized the essence of my response mattered most. Being a man who has grown and improved, I knew there was a wiser approach to this situation than merely firing back with a sarcastic comeback.

If someone had asked me for a million predictions for 2025, the fact that the first openly trans woman to be nominated for an acting Oscar publicly criticized you wouldn’t have been on my list. Instead, you might have heard about another Brat Summer, Timothée Chalamet’s continued global success, or mass deportations, but not this specific event.

Frankly, it’s disheartening to witness someone express views against BLM or similar movements, especially when that individual appears to understand the struggles of marginalization and the frequent violence faced by certain communities. As a Black, queer Oscar winner, I had hoped for your support, as I had been rooting for you. To quote the esteemed poet laureate Tyra Banks, “I was rooting for you,” and I still am – even though she uses “we” the second time, I can only speak from my own perspective.

A week ago, it was heartening to learn that a transgender woman was nominated for the top acting award for the first time, given the current and past hostility faced by the trans community. I was equally thrilled at the prospect of her winning and setting a new standard for her peers. My excitement remains unabated, because, as Zoe Saldaña says in their movie when everyone is singing, “I understand human beings,” and people can change. Even if Mama Gascón’s views on Korean and Black activism today remain uncertain, there’s always room for growth. If you ever feel like casting shade, just tag me, Karla. I’ll respond, I guarantee it.

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2025-01-31 21:26