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Karla Sofía Gascón becomes first openly trans woman to be nominated for Best Actress Oscar

Graham Robson January 23, 2025

Emilia Pérez, Jacques Audiard’s musical about a trans gangster escaping from the mob in Mexico, has broken the record for the most Oscar nominations earned by a film not in the English language.

The film has received 13 nominations, making it the most nominated foreign film in Oscars history beating the 10 nominations received for Roma in 2019 and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon in 2001.

The recognition of its star, Karla Sofía Gascón, marks the first time an out trans actor has been nominated for an Oscar; Elliot Page was nominated for Juno in 2008, 12 years before he transitioned.

In the film, Gascón portrays titular character Emilia Perez who is a cartel leader who enlists in the help of unappreciated lawyer Rita Mora Castro (played by Zoe Saldana) to help fake her death so that she can finally live authentically as her true self.

Gascón has certainly been blazing a path this awards season as she also was the first trans actor to earn a nomination at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards as well.

She also accepted the top honour of the night, Best Film – Musical or Comedy, on behalf of Emilia Perez and gave a powerful speech at the gala event earlier this month.

Gascón said at the time: ‘Thank you so much. I chose these colours tonight because I have a message. The light always wins over darkness.

Wicked is the year’s second most nominated film at this year’s Oscars, picking up 10 nominations including best score, costume design, production design and film editing.

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