Jacques Audiard’s ‘Emilia Perez’ Wins Best Non-English Film at BAFTAs

Despite controversy surrounding lead actor Karla Sofia Gascon, director Jacques Audiard dedicates win to entire cast at the 78th British Academy Film Awards.

London [UK], February 17:

As anticipated, Jacques Audiard’s Spanish crime drama Emilia Perez won Best Non-English Language Film at the 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs). The film’s victory was overshadowed by controversy surrounding lead actor Karla Sofia Gascon, whose past social media posts sparked backlash.

Audiard, who accepted the award, made a point to acknowledge Gascon despite her absence from the event.

“Above all, I would like to thank all the wonderful artists who brought this film to life and who are here with us tonight,” Audiard said.
“My dear Zoe, my dear Selena, Giorgini, Paul, Juliet, Camille, Clement, Julia, and your team—but also you, my dear Karla Sofia, that I kiss. I’m deeply proud of what we achieved together. Long live Emilia Perez.”

Controversy Surrounding Karla Sofia Gascon

Gascon was notably absent from the BAFTAs, just as she had skipped other major award ceremonies, including the Critics Choice Awards, PGA Awards, and the Goya Awards.

The actor recently faced backlash after old tweets from 2020 and 2021 resurfaced, where she allegedly made offensive remarks about Muslims, George Floyd, and diversity at the Oscars.

In one of her posts, Gascon criticized the 2021 Academy Awards, writing:

“More and more, the #Oscars are looking like a ceremony for independent and protest films. I didn’t know if I was watching an Afro-Korean festival, a Black Lives Matter demonstration, or the 8M. Apart from that, an ugly, ugly gala.”

She also made a controversial remark about George Floyd, referring to him as a “drug addict swindler” following his death in 2020, which sparked widespread protests in the United States.

Gascon’s Apology and Fallout

Following the backlash, Gascon issued an apology via Variety, expressing regret for her past comments.

“I want to acknowledge the conversation around my past social media posts that have caused hurt. As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain. All my life I have fought for a better world. I believe light will always triumph over darkness.”

Despite the controversy, Gascon’s co-stars Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña attended the ceremony. Both were nominated for Best Supporting Actress and also served as presenters at the BAFTAs.

Where to Watch the BAFTAs in India

In India, viewers can watch Jacques Audiard’s winning moment and other highlights from the BAFTA Awards on Lionsgate Play.

Tags:

BAFTA Awards 2024, Emilia Perez, Jacques Audiard, Karla Sofia Gascon, Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, Best Non-English Language Film, Hollywood Controversy, George Floyd, Diversity in Hollywood