NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Narendra Modi
    Amit Shah
    Box Office Collection
    Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
    OTT releases
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout

    India
    Business
    World
    Politics
    Sports
    Technology
    Entertainment
    Auto
    Lifestyle
    Inspirational
    Career
    Bengaluru
    Delhi
    Mumbai

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
    Home / News / Entertainment News / Why Oscar darling 'Emilia Pérez' is facing backlash in Mexico
    Summarize
    Next Article
    Why Oscar darling 'Emilia Pérez' is facing backlash in Mexico
    'Emilia Pérez' has 13 Oscar nominations

    Why Oscar darling 'Emilia Pérez' is facing backlash in Mexico

    By Shreya Mukherjee
    Jan 24, 2025
    01:44 pm

    What's the story

    The French film Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, made history with a record-breaking 13 Oscar nominations on Thursday.

    The Spanish-language transgender musical crime comedy surpassed previous records for non-English-language films.

    Despite this international acclaim and four Golden Globe wins, the film faces criticism in Mexico for allegedly trivializing the country's drug-related violence.

    Controversy

    'Emilia Pérez' under fire for alleged cultural insensitivity

    A Change.org petition, which has garnered over 11,000 signatures, accuses Emilia Pérez of trivializing Mexico's missing persons issue.

    The petitioners argue that the film is "insensitive" and "disrespectful to our culture that goes far beyond drug trafficking and the pain of thousands of families."

    Angie Orozco, whose child is among Mexico's 100K+ missing persons, hoped the film's controversy could lead to a deeper understanding of these issues.

    Missing people problem

    Here's more about the missing people issue in Mexico

    The issue of missing persons is serious in Mexico.

    As per the United Nations Human Rights, official records indicate that there are currently 1,15,000 people whose whereabouts are unknown in the country.

    The suspected reasons behind the disappearances vary. While some (especially during the 1970s-80s) have been known to be enforced disappearances that were used as a strategy of repression against political dissidents, others have been scaled back to drug problems.

    Milestones

    'Emilia Pérez' features groundbreaking Oscar nominations

    Emilia Pérez stars Karla Sofia Gascon as a narco who transitions to a woman and helps families of the missing.

    The film also stars Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, and Mexican actor Adriana Paz.

    Gascon's performance has made her the first openly trans actor nominated for an Oscar in the best actress category, while Saldana was nominated for best supporting actress.

    Festival response

    'Emilia Pérez' faced criticism at Morelia Film Festival

    The film's first reception in Mexico wasn't warm either, with a lukewarm response at the Morelia Film Festival in October.

    Mexican cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto slammed the film for feeling "inauthentic," especially considering the sensitive subject.

    Despite the criticisms, Audiard defended his film against accusations of misrepresenting Mexico but conceded he may have "handled it clumsily."

    Critic opinions

    It received mixed reviews from Mexican critics

    Mexican writer Jorge Volpi called Emilia Pérez "one of the crudest and most misleading films of the 21st century," accusing it of carrying prejudices against gender transitions. However, he praised Gascon's performance.

    Gomez's Spanish accent was criticized by Mexican actor Eugenio Derbez who later apologized for his remarks.

    Despite the controversy, Oscar-winning Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro praised Audiard as "one of the most amazing filmmakers alive."

    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Related News
    Latest
    Guillermo del Toro
    Selena Gomez
    Zoe Saldana
    Academy Awards

    Latest

    Who is representing India at Miss World this year?  Miss India
    Manchester United to face Tottenham in Europa League final: Stats Manchester United
    Who's got the biggest net worth on 'Battleground'?  Asim Riaz
    'Gram Chikitsalay' review: Amol Parashar is scene-stealer in realistic series  Amazon Prime Video

    Guillermo del Toro

    From Meryl Streep to Dunkirk: All about Oscar nominations 2018 Hollywood
    Oscars 2018: Have a look at this year's major nominations Hollywood
    California massive fire death toll reaches 23, rescue operations underway California
    Black Friday 2018: Best Play Store deals on games, books India

    Selena Gomez

    Best murder mystery shows to binge-watch Web Series
    'Having a sister…,' Selena Gomez condemns Israel-Hamas war Israel
    Meet Selena Gomez's boyfriend, American record label producer Benny Blanco Music Industry
    Golden Globes 2024: Best Actor winners in TV series categories Golden Globe Awards

    Zoe Saldana

    'The Adam Project' review: This casual watch offers nothing new Netflix
    Who's human kid in 'Avatar: The Way of Water' trailer? Hollywood
    New 'Guardians of Galaxy Vol. 3' trailer is here Hollywood
    James Cameron scripts history as 'Avatar' surpasses 'Titanic's global collection James Cameron

    Academy Awards

    Will '12th Fail' be submitted to the Oscars? Director reveals Vidhu Vinod Chopra
    'All We Imagine' director 'happy' on 'Laapataa Ladies' Oscar nod Aamir Khan
    Why Hans Zimmer's 'Dune 2' score isn't eligible for Oscars BAFTA
    'Inside Out 2,' 'Wild Robot': Best Animated Feature Oscar contenders Animated Series
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2025