logo

The Global Story The scandal sinking an Oscars campaign

BBC News28-02-2025
Emilia Pérez is the most talked-about movie of awards season. But despite a divisive premise about a Mexican drug boss seeking gender affirming surgery, it's the fallout off-screen which is causing controversy. The re-emergence of offensive tweets by its lead star, trans actress Karla Sofía Gascón, has derailed the movie's momentum. After promoters pivoted to remove her from marketing, the film has still seen significant success, but ahead of the Oscars, debate is growing about the extent to which this scandal has harmed its performance.
On this episode, Lucy Hockings is joined by BBC culture reporter Noor Nanji and Matthew Belloni, entertainment journalist and founder of the digital media platform, Puck. They dissect the noise around the movie, and consider what Academy voters might be thinking.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
(Picture: Karla Sofía Gascón, Credit: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni. Academy Awards statuette, Credit: Epa/Caroline Brehman)
Producers: Laurie Kalus and Tom Kavanagh
Sound engineers: Phil Bull and James Piper
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: China Collins
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Actress responds to rumours about return of popular crime drama
Actress responds to rumours about return of popular crime drama

The Independent

time18 minutes ago

  • The Independent

Actress responds to rumours about return of popular crime drama

Vicky McClure commented on the potential return of the BBC crime drama Line of Duty for a seventh season. Her co-star Adrian Dunbar had previously indicated the show was poised to return next year, with writer Jed Mercurio working on a script. Dunbar also mentioned that discussions about the series' future were ongoing with the BBC. McClure, who portrayed DI Kate Fleming, stated simply, "There's nothing to say" when asked about a new series on The One Show. Line of Duty originally aired from 2012 to 2021, concluding with the revelation of the corrupt senior police officer known as "H".

Vicky McClure issues four-word statement on Line of Duty rumours
Vicky McClure issues four-word statement on Line of Duty rumours

The Independent

timean hour ago

  • The Independent

Vicky McClure issues four-word statement on Line of Duty rumours

Vicky McClure issued a four-word statement on the possibility of Line of Duty season seven after her co-star Adrian Dunbar said the show is poised to return next year after being left 'frustrated' by the finale. The pair appeared in Jed Mercurio's BBC crime drama as DI Kate Fleming and Superintendent Ted Hastings respectively from 2012 to 2021. Dunbar told The Times: "We're really excited about getting our hands on a Line of Duty script, to see what happens to us. 'Jed is writing. We've talked to the BBC." The series ended after the identity of "H" — a corrupt senior police officer — was revealed. "There's nothing to say," McClure told The One Show on Friday (1 August).

Legendary six-time Grammy Award-winning musician dies aged 86
Legendary six-time Grammy Award-winning musician dies aged 86

Metro

timean hour ago

  • Metro

Legendary six-time Grammy Award-winning musician dies aged 86

Steve Charnock Published August 1, 2025 1:52pm Updated August 1, 2025 1:52pm Link is copied Comments Flaco Jiménez, the iconic American-Mexican accordionist whose music helped define and push Tejano, Tex-Mex and conjunto styles, has died aged 86. His family confirmed his death on Facebook yesterday evening, writing: 'He was surrounded by his loved ones and will be missed immensely… His legacy will live on through his music and all of his fans. The family requests privacy during this time of sadness' (Picture: Gary Miller/FilmMagic) Born Leonardo Jiménez in San Antonio, Texas, in 1939, 'Flaco' (a nickname meaning 'skinny' that both he and his father shared) was raised in an incredibly musical household. His father, Santiago Jiménez Sr., was a key figure in conjunto music - which has its roots in the Texas-Mexico border region. His grandfather Patricio was also a prominent musician. Flaco joined his dad's band by seven, first playing the bajo sexto before switching to the accordion, which would become his signature instrument (Picture: Michel Linssen/Redferns) Heavily influenced by his father and zydeco legend Clifton Chenier, Jiménez - who would go on to win six Grammys, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 - soon made his name beyond Tejano circles. He became the go-to accordionist for musical stars across the genres, adding his distinctive sound to a wide range of recordings and albums. His solo work and collaborations made him something of an international ambassador for Mexican-American music. It was a role he warmly and enthusiastically embraced (Picture: Rick Diamond/WireImage) Doug Sahm was one of the first rock musicians to spotlight Jiménez, featuring him on a 1971 solo album of his. That break led to sessions with Ry Cooder, Bob Dylan, Dr. John, Los Lobos and David Lindley. Cooder featured Jiménez on his 1976 album Chicken Skin Music, which would lead to an appearance on Saturday Night Live later that year (Picture:for Americana Music) Flaco's solo career thrived alongside his session work. He won his first Grammy in 1986 for Ay Te Dejo en San Antonio. His accordion work was also featured on the 1988 country hit Streets of Bakersfield alongside Dwight Yoakam and Buck Owens, earning him a spot on a No. 1 country single. The three of them would perform together a number of times, to the delight of their fans (Picture: Redferns) In 1989, he co-founded the Texas Tornados with Sahm, Freddy Fender and Augie Meyers. Their hit 'Soy de San Luis,' written by Flaco's father, won them a Grammy. A year earlier, he won another Grammy with the supergroup Los Super Seven. He later joined the Free Mexican Airforce with bluegrass player Peter Rowan (Picture: Frazer Harrison/WireImage) Even in the 1990s and beyond, Jiménez's appeal endured. He played on the Rolling Stones album Voodoo Lounge in 1994 and continued releasing music on his own and with others. In 2024, he received the Founder of the Sound award at the Ameripolitan Awards in Austin, a tribute to his lifelong impact (Picture:) From San Antonio to stages all around the world, Flaco Jiménez was proud to showcase the music of his culture. His name may have meant 'skinny,' but he was a giant of Mexican-American music. One who'll be missed by both those who loved him and those that loved his sound (Picture: Redferns) Next Gallery

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store