Karla Sofía Gascón Becomes First Openly Trans Woman Nominated for Oscar for Best Actress

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Spanish-born actress Karla Sofía Gascón, famously known for her role in Emilia Pérez, was nominated this Thursday for the 2025 Oscars in the best actress category. This marks the first time a openly transgender performer has received such an honor, with Elliott Page being the only previous trans acting nominee back in 2008 for Juno, although he did not publicly disclose his gender identity until 12 years later.

Gascón gained acclaim for her role in a Jacques Audiard-directed musical drama, portraying a Mexican cartel leader who undergoes a transformation and focuses on helping those affected by gang violence. She shares the screen with fellow Oscar nominee Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz; this quartet received the best actress award at the Cannes Film Festival last year.

Gascon’s acclaim and accolades have made her a target of controversy among anti-transgender groups, leading to online harassment and even death threats. She has bravely faced these attacks head-on. When French far-right figure Marion Maréchal expressed on X that “a man has won best actress,” Gascon took legal action against the politician for the “sexist slur.

Her groundbreaking nomination arises amidst a delicate moment for transgender rights, following closely on the heels of President Trump’s enactment of an executive order stating that the administration will acknowledge only biologically defined genders.

He lacks shame,” Gascón stated this week, expressing his disapproval of the toxic discussions surrounding transgender topics in particular. “I wish for a resolution that silences all parties involved, on all sides.

At the Golden Globes held at the Beverly Hilton recently, Emilia Pérez – a strong supporter of trans rights both in Spain and beyond – accepted the final award of the night for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Standing on stage, she declared, “Light always triumphs over darkness.” Clad in a saffron gown symbolizing her Buddhist beliefs, she continued, “You may imprison us, you might physically harm us, but you can never seize our souls, our existence, our identity.

Recently, a native of Madrid expressed to THR that she perceived the trans cause as facing substantial cultural resistance within society.

She commented that we seem to be moving in reverse, as young generations lack the historical perspective of their predecessors and may unknowingly replicate past errors. Be mindful when entrusting authority to those who are intolerant, for this could erode the remaining tolerance we hold.

Gascón positions her own awards campaign amidst the backdrop of bigotry, stating, “There’s a stunning transformation happening in our society.” She further shared with THR, “Many people are eagerly anticipating my nomination. If I receive that recognition, it will fill them with immense joy.

At this year’s Oscars, Emilia Pérez garnered an impressive total of 13 nominations, breaking the record and making her film the most-nominated non-English language production at the Academy Awards.

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2025-01-23 17:55