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Trans Musical 'Emilia Pérez' Wins Awards and Sparks Debate

Published January 24, 2025

“Emilia Pérez” has quickly become a favorite at award shows, winning four Golden Globe awards and earning 13 Oscar nominations, along with several Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award nominations.

This Spanish-language operatic musical, directed by Jacques Audiard, challenges traditional genre classifications. Karla Sofía Gascón, the lead actress, noted in an interview, "You have an action movie that’s not an action movie, a drama that’s not a drama, a comedy that’s not a comedy."

In the film, Gascón plays Juan "Manitas" Del Monte, a Mexican gang leader who longs to embrace her true identity as a woman. The character recruits lawyer Rita, portrayed by Zoe Saldaña, to help her fake her own death in order to gain access to gender-affirming care. This leads to the birth of her authentic self, Emilia Pérez. However, Emilia cannot fully escape her violent past, and her relationship with her wife, Jessi, played by Selena Gomez, introduces conflicts between her present and past.

While many critics have praised the film, with Variety describing it as "dazzling" and director Michael Mann hailing it as a "contemporary masterpiece," the film has also sparked significant controversy over its cultural representation and portrayal of transgender issues.

Transgender Representation

The LGBTQ media advocacy group GLAAD has criticized the film, labeling it a "profoundly retrograde portrayal of a trans woman" and asserting it perpetuates outdated stereotypes. A November critique expressed concern that the film implies transitioning is synonymous with deceit and manipulation.

Reviewers like Mattie Lucas criticized the protagonist's transition, suggesting it is framed negatively and portrayed as an act of selfishness that harms those around her. Film critic Juan Barquin echoed these sentiments, arguing the film equates masculinity with evil and femininity with virtue, further complicating the narrative surrounding gender identity.

Some transgender commentators defended the representation of the character. Journalist Mey Rude argued that Emilia’s use of a lower vocal register in moments of anger should not be interpreted as a commentary on trans identity. Instead, Rude pointed out that Emilia's issues stem from her character flaws rather than her being transgender.

Moreover, writer Julie River praised the film’s portrayal of Emilia as morally complex and nuanced. River suggests that Emilia's secrecy regarding her transition stems from her dangerous past as a cartel leader rather than a broader trans narrative.

Gascón herself has addressed criticism regarding her depiction of Emilia, emphasizing that representing characters with flaws is crucial in storytelling. She acknowledged that the experiences of trans individuals vary greatly and encouraged people who disagree to create their own narratives.

Cultural Authenticity

Questions have been raised about the film's authenticity as it was predominantly filmed in Paris, with only limited exterior shots in Mexico. Critics have also focused on the casting choices, with notable remarks about Gomez's language skills and Audiard's lack of research regarding Mexican culture.

Audiard himself noted that he did not immerse himself in Mexican culture to prepare for the film, sparking further outrage. Some Mexican commentators expressed discontent over the film’s representation of cultural violence, arguing that only those familiar with the realities of life in Mexico should portray such stories.

Although the lead actors are not Mexican, supporting cast member Adriana Paz defended the film and claimed that the project should not be dismissed without understanding its artistic direction. The casting director revealed efforts to find Mexican actors for the main roles, ultimately selecting those who best fit the characters.

Despite mixed reactions, “Emilia Pérez” continues to gain recognition. As it collects awards and nominations, its complex portrayal of identity, representation, and cultural authenticity has sparked much debate.

musical, transgender, awards