Karla Sofía Gascón makes history at the 2025 Oscars and faces social media controversies

Karla Sofía Gascón, a 52-year-old Spanish actress, has become the first trans woman nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. This nomination marks a significant moment in film history and LGBTQIA+ representation, but her journey is not solely about artistic recognition. Before achieving this historic milestone, Gascón had a diverse career, spanning Mexican soap operas, culinary reality shows, and even extreme sports. Her path to Hollywood has been marked by challenges, achievements, and, more recently, controversies surrounding old social media posts that have sparked backlash and affected her participation in promoting the film.

The actress, who began her career in Spanish television at a young age, found success in Mexico, where she starred in high-rating productions. In 2018, she publicly embraced her gender identity and published an autobiographical book, Karsia: Una Historia Extraordinaria, recounting her transition and the difficulties she faced along the way. Now, with an Oscar nomination, Gascón finds herself at the center of worldwide attention but also amid controversy regarding her past statements and online behavior.

Her personal life also intrigues the public. Married for 30 years to Marisa Gutiérrez and mother to Victoria, the actress is passionate about motorcycles and has participated in culinary competitions. In 2022, she was a semifinalist on MasterChef Celebrity México. Additionally, she has a strong connection to Brazil, being an admirer of Mauricio de Sousa’s work, the creator of Turma da Mônica, whom she had an emotional reunion with while promoting Emilia Pérez in the country.

From Spanish television to stardom in Mexico

From the beginning of her career, Karla Sofía Gascón demonstrated versatility and determination. Her first experience in the entertainment industry came during her teenage years when she worked as an extra in Spanish productions. Seeking to expand her horizons, she worked with the BBC in London on an educational program to teach Spanish and later dedicated herself to dubbing children’s characters in Italy.

After returning to Spain, she appeared in soap operas such as El Súper and Calle Nueva, but it was in Mexico where her career took a significant leap. In the 2000s, she became part of major soap opera productions, including Corazón Salvaje (2009) and El Señor de los Cielos (2013). Her role in the film Nosotros los Nobles (2013), one of Mexico’s highest-grossing films, solidified her popularity in the country and opened doors for new opportunities in television and film.

Gender transition and career transformation

In 2018, Karla Sofía Gascón publicly came out as a transgender woman, sharing her experience in an autobiographical book. This decision was a personal and professional milestone, leading her to reconsider roles in cinema and television.

• The book Karsia: Una Historia Extraordinaria details her journey, challenges, and reflections on gender identity.
• After her transition, she faced industry resistance but continued seeking roles that respected her new identity.
• With the growing inclusion of trans actors in Hollywood, her talent was recognized internationally, culminating in her casting for Emilia Pérez.

The impact of Emilia Pérez and critical acclaim

In Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, Karla Sofía Gascón plays Manitas, a Mexican drug lord who decides to change his life and transition genders. The role required intense emotional and physical preparation, as it explores complex themes such as identity, crime, and redemption.

Gascón’s performance received highly positive reviews, leading her to win the Cannes Best Actress award, shared with co-stars Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz. This international recognition paved the way for her historic Oscar nomination for Best Actress, making her the first trans woman to compete in the category.

Social media controversy and Netflix’s response

Despite her success, Gascón’s career has been affected by past social media controversies. Old posts containing racist, xenophobic, and Islamophobic comments resurfaced, sparking backlash against the actress.

• Among the posts were controversial statements about George Floyd and the 2021 Academy Awards ceremony.
• Following the uproar, Gascón deactivated her account on X (formerly Twitter) and issued a public apology.
• In an interview, she claimed not to recognize some of the posts and denied being racist, stating that she would not withdraw from the Oscar nomination.
• Director Jacques Audiard revealed that he has not been in contact with the actress since the controversy began.
• Netflix, the distributor of Emilia Pérez, removed Gascón from promotional activities for the film.

Public reaction and the cancel culture debate

The controversy has sparked an intense debate about cancel culture, public accountability, and personal growth. While some argue that public figures should be held accountable for past statements, others believe context and behavioral change should be considered.

• Actors and filmmakers are divided between supporting Gascón and criticizing her past remarks.
• The Academy has not officially commented on the impact of the controversy on the award ceremony.
• Surveys suggest that the scandal could influence Oscar voting outcomes.

The future of Karla Sofía Gascón’s career

The Oscar nomination represents a milestone for the actress but also raises questions about her future in the industry. While her performance in Emilia Pérez has placed her among the year’s best, the negative publicity surrounding her past social media activity could make future opportunities in Hollywood more difficult.

• With Netflix distancing itself from her, her presence in the awards season campaign may be limited.
• The results of the 2025 Oscars could impact her long-term presence in international cinema.
• If she wins, she will become the first trans woman to receive the Best Actress award, a historic achievement for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Key highlights of the story

• Karla Sofía Gascón is the first trans woman nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars.
• Her performance in Emilia Pérez was critically acclaimed and awarded at Cannes.
• Before fame, she worked in Mexican soap operas and was a contestant on MasterChef Celebrity México.
• Old social media posts resurfaced, sparking controversy and leading to Netflix distancing itself from her.
• The cancel culture debate continues to influence her Oscar campaign.