Why listen
A film with 13 Oscar nominations and real controversy gets an honest, close look.
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In this episode
- What the cast said about identity, love, and transformation on screen
- How the film's ambitions clash with its real-world criticism
- The controversy around its star and Netflix's response explained clearly
- Why this film sparked debate about representation and cultural portrayal
About this episode
Emilia Pérez is Netflix's bold new film that made waves with its powerful narrative, stunning performances, and… well, some serious controversy. Directed by Jacques Audiard, Emilia Pérez tells the story of a Mexican cartel leader’s journey of transformation, tackling themes of identity, love, and redemption.While the film has been praised for its ambition and unique storytelling, it has also faced controversy due to resurfaced social media posts from its star, Karla Sofía Gascón, containing racist and Islamophobic remarks. Netflix responded by distancing itself from Gascón, pulling her from promotional efforts. The film has also been criticized for its portrayal of Mexican culture and the transgender experience, with some arguing it leans on problematic stereotypes. Despite this, Emilia Pérez leads the Oscars with 13 nominations, making it the most-nominated film of the year.
Caitlynn McDaniel sat down with the cast to discuss their experiences and creative journeys:
- Zoe Saldaña on portraying Rita, a lawyer entangled in emotional complexities.
- Selena Gomez on finding vulnerability and strength in her role as Jesse.
- Adriana Paz on the power of tenderness and love through her character, Epifanía.
- Karla Sofía Gascón on the transformative narrative of Emilia and celebrating LGBTQ+ love.
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About PRIDE
On Pride, host Caitlynn McDaniel deep dives into the LGBTQ+ stories lighting up our screens — and the people who bring them to life. Each week, she sits down with the stars we love, the creators behind the scenes, and the voices changing the way stories are told.
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