Emilia Pérez director Jacques Audiard responds to backlash over Oscars speech
Emilia Pérez director Jacques Audiard skips trans rights statement at Oscars, says he 'didn't have opportunity'*
Emilia Pérez director Jacques Audiard won the Oscar for Best Original Song but chose not to address transgender rights during his time on stage. The French filmmaker, who co-wrote 'El Mal' with Clément Ducol and Camille, later explained his decision in the press room at the 2025 Oscars.
'Since I didn't win Best Film or Best Director, I didn't have the opportunity to speak,' Audiard said through an interpreter. 'But had I had that opportunity, I would have spoken up.'
Despite losing Best Picture and Best Director to Sean Baker's Anora, Audiard had a platform after winning for El Mal. However, during the live broadcast, he ceded the microphone to his co-writers without addressing the audience.
Emilia Pérez, which tells the story of a Mexican cartel leader (played by Karla Sofía Gascón) who undergoes gender-affirming surgery, faced backlash over its representation of both Mexican culture and the trans experience. The film was nominated for 13 Oscars, ultimately winning two—Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña and Best Original Song.
The film's Oscar campaign was marred by controversy after past offensive tweets from Gascón resurfaced. The actress had made inflammatory remarks about Islam, the murder of George Floyd, and a prior Academy Awards ceremony.
Oscars host Conan O'Brien even referenced the controversy in his opening monologue, joking about the record number of expletives in Anora compared to Gascón's publicist's reaction to her resurfaced tweets.
Audiard later admitted he was 'very disappointed' that the backlash overshadowed his work, calling Gascón's comments 'inexcusable.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Van Hunt's proposal to Halle Berry 'still floating', while she defends 'spinning' Mother's Day post
Halle Berry opens up about her relationship with Van Hunt, her thoughts on marriage, and reactions to a controversial Mother's Day post Halle Berry recently discussed her relationship with boyfriend Van Hunt, the couple's views on marriage, and the controversy surrounding her Mother's Day post in an appearance on Today with Jenna & Friends. In the candid interview, the Oscar-winning actress revealed that while her relationship with Hunt is thriving, she is taking her time with marriage, despite Hunt's proposal. Berry and Hunt, who have been together since 2020, shared a playful moment when Hunt revealed that he had already proposed to Berry. "I put out the proposal, and it's still on hold," Hunt joked, adding that the proposal was "floating out there" while they wait for Berry's decision. The 58-year-old actress responded with a laugh, explaining that marriage isn't a necessity for them to validate their love. She emphasized that both she and Hunt had been married before, and after multiple marriages, they are in no rush. 'We don't feel like we have to get married to validate our love in any way,' Berry said, adding that when they do marry, it will be because they genuinely want to, not out of obligation. Regarding when they might tie the knot, Berry assured fans, 'I think we will get married just because, out of the people I've been married to, this is the person I should have married.' She hinted that it would happen 'soon,' but reiterated that their bond does not need a wedding certificate to be strong. Berry also addressed the backlash she received following her sultry Mother's Day post, in which she promoted her Let's Spin intimacy gel alongside Hunt. The video, caused a stir with some commenters questioning why Berry wasn't spending the day with her children. 'It's not 'Kid's Day,'' she responded, emphasizing that she had every right to enjoy her day how she saw fit. Berry, who has two children from previous relationships, said she believes it's important for mothers to take time for themselves and have their own celebrations. Though critics were vocal about the post, Berry remained firm in her stance, saying, 'If I want to be in bed and spin with my man, then that's what I'm going to do.' While Berry's relationship with Hunt is a key part of her life, she has consistently emphasized that her children and family are her top priorities. However, she also revealed how fulfilled she feels in her current romantic relationship, saying that it makes her a better mother. 'I feel happy in my life romantically, as a mother, as an artist,' Berry reflected. 'I'm a much better mother in this circumstance than I would have been had I stayed in a romantic relationship that didn't serve me.' As for her thoughts on marriage, it seems only a matter of time before the couple takes the next step, but on their terms, and in their own time.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo star in new trailer for "Wicked: For Good"
The first full-length trailer for Wicked: For Good, the sequel to the hit Wicked film, has been released with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo reprising their roles as Glinda and Elphaba in this eagerly awaited continuation of the Wizard of Oz spin-off. The film, based on the popular Broadway musical, will be released on November 21 2025. The production of both films took place at Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, between December 2022 and January 2024, though filming was briefly interrupted by the Hollywood actors' strike. Following the success of the first film, which grossed over $750 million and earned 10 Oscar nominations, the sequel will see Elphaba branded an enemy of Oz, while Glinda becomes a puppet of the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum). The trailer teases an emotional journey with new songs, two of which, 'For Good' and 'No Good Deed' are exclusive to the film. Speaking to Vanity Fair, director Jon M. Chu offered a first glimpse from specific scenes of the second film and revealed that it features new songs by Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz, the introduction of Dorothy Gale, Glinda's wedding, and more. Additionally, Madam Morrible, Fiyero, Boq, Nessarose played by, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, and Marissa Bode respectively also return in the sequel. Fans can look forward to Wicked: For Good as it builds on the success of its predecessor with an even more complex storyline and unforgettable performances.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Eastwood slams 'phony' Austrian daily interview
An Austrian newspaper came under fire Tuesday after Hollywood star Clint Eastwood said an alleged interview with him published by the paper to mark his 95th birthday was "entirely phony". The row was sparked by a purported interview with the Oscar-winning actor and director carried by the German-language Kurier newspaper Friday. In the interview, which was picked up widely by American media over the weekend, Eastwood criticises a lack of fresh ideas in the current film industry as "we live in an era of remakes and franchises". "I long for the good old days when screenwriters wrote films like Casablanca in small bungalows on the studio lot. When everyone had a new idea," he was quoted as saying. "My philosophy is, do something new or stay at home." In a statement to Deadline magazine published Monday, Eastwood said "I thought I would set the record straight". "I can confirm I've turned 95. I can also confirm that I never gave an interview to an Austrian publication called Kurier, or any other writer in recent weeks, and that the interview is entirely phony," he added. On Tuesday, the Vienna-based Kurier's editorial team said its freelancer Elisabeth Sereda had compiled the interview by citing from "a total of 18" round table conversations with Eastwood. But since the article was published as an interview and not as a profile, the daily said it would cut ties with the author. "Even though no quotes have been fabricated, the interviews are documented and the allegations of falsification can be refuted, we will not be working with the author in the future because transparency and our strict editorial standards are paramount to us," Kurier said in a statement published on its website. The newspaper had recently published interviews by Sereda with celebrities such as Jude Law and Elton John. afp
