With the 2025 Oscars now in the rearview mirror, let's take a look at the controversies surrounding "Emilia Pérez." The film follows the story of Gascón's titular character, Emilia Pérez, a Mexican drug cartel leader who fakes her death with the help of a lawyer (Saldaña) and undergoes gender-affirming surgery.

The Spanish-language musical from Netflix saw its grand hopes fizzle after derisive social media posts from its star resurfaced.

"That was never our intention. We spoke from a place of love. I don’t share your opinion," the 2025 Best Supporting Actress says

In the end, Emilia Pérez won only two Oscars, potentially resulting from the backlash against the film after the discovery of some offensive tweets by Gascón that were posted in 2020 and 2021.

Audiard did win an Oscar for Best Original Song, but said via an interpreter that he "didn't have the opportunity to speak."

El Mal,″ from the controversial musical “Emilia Pérez,” won best original song at Sunday’s 97th Academy Awards.

I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. And I know I will not be the last,” the first-time winner said in her speech.

Zoe Saldaña won the Academy Award for best supporting actress for her performance in the Spanish-language musical “Emilia Pérez.” She plays Rita, a downtrodden Mexico City lawyer who decides to accept an offer to help Emilia Pérez, a drug cartel boss played by Karla Sofía Gascón, set up a new life after receiving gender-affirming surgery.

The song 'El Mal' from 'Emilia Perez' won the best original song Oscar, while Daniel Blumberg won best original score for 'The Brutalist.'

Zoe Saldaña took home her first Oscar, a best supporting actress nod for her role in “Emilia Pérez.” Now she can also say she’s also the singer of an Oscar-winning song: “El Mal,” marking the film’s second win of the night.

We are so grateful,” said Camille, letting out a great “whooo hooo” as she and Clément Ducol accepted the Oscar for Best Original Song for El Mal in Emilia Perez.