LOS ANGELES, CA — As awards season gathers pace, “Emilia Perez” is charging toward Sunday’s 82nd Annual Golden Globes ceremony with a record-breaking 10 nominations in the musical or comedy categories. This surreal narco-thriller musical, directed by French auteur Jacques Audiard, has become the top contender among this year’s Golden Globes film nominees, intensifying the conversation about transgender representation on the biggest stage of them all.
A Genre-Defying Powerhouse
From the moment “Emilia Perez” premiered, the film was hailed as a cinematic tour de force, combining crime drama, musical spectacle, and an unflinching look at identity. The story follows a Mexican drug lord who transitions to life as a woman while navigating the turbulent world of cartel politics and personal transformation. Brimming with emotional resonance, comedic interludes, and toe-tapping musical numbers, the film quickly garnered acclaim from global audiences—and, crucially, from critics.
It also boasts an impressive ensemble, including Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldana. Yet the spotlight has landed squarely on Karla Sofía Gascón, a Spanish-born actress who breathes fierce authenticity into the title role of Emilia. The film garnered the highest number of Golden Globe nods ever for a musical or comedy, signaling that not only has it captured hearts—it’s captured the attention of an entire industry.
From Telenovelas to the Global Stage
Gascón, 51, has enjoyed a lengthy career in Spanish and Mexican productions, where her versatility and determination helped her break through in a competitive market. For years, she worked her way from small appearances to more significant roles in telenovelas like “El Señor de los Cielos” and films such as the 2013 box-office hit “The Noble Family” (also known as “Nosotros los Nobles”). Although her star was on the rise, Gascón spent much of this time silently battling the awareness that she was living a life not aligned with her true identity.
Everything changed six years ago, when Gascón came out as a transgender woman and underwent gender-affirming surgery. Overnight, she found herself at the center of public scrutiny. In interviews, Gascón has noted that while she appreciated the support from many fans, there were also negative voices trying to minimize her identity. Through it all, her determination never wavered. She maintained her creative pursuits—writing books, appearing on a celebrity edition of MasterChef in Mexico, and returning to telenovelas to re-establish her footing as an actress.
Seizing the Moment
Then came the opportunity to audition for “Emilia Perez,” a highly stylized film that merges the adrenaline of a cartel thriller with the spectacle of musical theater. At first, Gascón hesitated. She worried about the intense vocal and performance demands that come with a musical. Ultimately, she took the leap, traveled to Paris for a screen test, and formed an instant connection with director Jacques Audiard—who is renowned for helming genre-defying films like “A Prophet” and “Rust & Bone.”
Audiard was spellbound. “The minute I saw her, that was it,” the director recounted in interviews, citing Gascón’s presence, authority, and playfulness. The role became a collaborative effort as Gascón shared her own life experiences, allowing the film to carry a grain of authenticity unique to transgender stories. In Gascón’s words, she burrowed so deeply into the role of Emilia that “to remove this character, it’s almost like I had to do an exorcism.”
Golden Globe History in the Making
Now, Gascón is poised to make history as the first transgender woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. For Gascón, the nomination alone is already groundbreaking. In December, when she was officially acknowledged by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Gascón said the honor gave her “hope for humanity.”
It’s a sentiment that resonates strongly with transgender viewers, who frequently grapple with underrepresentation in mainstream media. The demographic of trans individuals—and their allies—has followed Gascón’s journey with pride, lauding her perseverance in the face of adversity and the barriers that have historically shut out trans talent from major awards ceremonies.
According to Deadline Awards columnist Pete Hammond, the film’s global appeal could also work in its favor ahead of the Academy Awards in March. “I think it’s got the international thing going for it, and it just swept the European Film Awards,” Hammond told AFP. That triumph, coupled with the film’s Golden Globe momentum, has catapulted “Emilia Perez” to the front of the awards conversation.
Cannes Best Actress Win, And the Backlash
In May 2024, Gascón and her co-stars jointly took home the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress, a remarkable first for transgender representation. Yet the triumphant moment was soon eclipsed by transphobic backlash from certain public figures. Gascón addressed these incidents directly, underscoring that such negativity underscores exactly why visibility and allyship remain essential. When faced with hateful comments labeling her a “man” in a mocking tone, Gascón not only pursued legal recourse but also delivered a withering rebuke on social media, proclaiming, “No matter how much you bark, you gargoyles of Beelzebub, you will not be able to blur what I have achieved.”
Her unflinching stance resonates deeply with many in the LGBTQ+ community, who often face similar attacks—though on a smaller scale—simply for existing as their authentic selves. For Gascón, forging ahead means affirming that trans individuals can and should inhabit the same platforms as anyone else in the industry.
The Road to Sunday Night
Now, all eyes shift to Sunday’s Golden Globes, which will be hosted this year by comedian Nikki Glaser on CBS—a break from the awards show’s longtime home at NBC. “Emilia Perez” enters the race with 10 nominations, followed by “The Brutalist” with seven and “Conclave” with six. On the television side, the culinary drama “The Bear” leads with five nominations. Meanwhile, fan favorites like “Only Murders in the Building” and “Shōgun” have garnered four nods apiece.
The event kicks off at 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET with a digital pre-show hosted by Entertainment Tonight and Variety, while the main ceremony starts at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET on CBS, streaming live on Paramount+ with Showtime in the U.S. Paramount+ Essential subscribers can watch the replay on Monday.
In a season teeming with exceptional performances and star-studded contenders, “Emilia Perez” is a shining beacon—an emotionally charged, wildly imaginative film that dares to speak directly to transgender experiences. And Karla Sofía Gascón, with her life story and fearless portrayal, has emerged as an emblem of perseverance. She stands on the precipice of an honor that, if won, would set a precedent for awards ceremonies worldwide.
Why This Matters for the Transgender Community
For transgender individuals, seeing stories that mirror their realities at such a high-profile event is a potent reminder that progress is possible. Year after year, the entertainment industry has inched forward by showcasing narratives that embrace diversity. However, the journey is far from over. By starring in “Emilia Perez,” Gascón has helped break down creative and cultural barriers, all while shining a spotlight on the challenges trans actors face in forging a path in mainstream media. As more trans performers step into the limelight, more varied stories can be told—ultimately fostering empathy and understanding.
For families and allies, the film and Gascón’s potential Golden Globe triumph signal a hopeful future. Representation can spark conversations that lead to greater acceptance in homes, workplaces, and communities. Television and film remain pivotal spaces where culture is shaped, and visibility on these platforms can resonate far beyond the awards circuit.
The Bottom Line
Regardless of Sunday’s outcome, “Emilia Perez” will have left its mark on Hollywood—and on the hearts of those yearning for authentic representation. With Gascón at the center of this cultural shift, her courage in living openly as a transgender woman affirms that real change is possible, even in an industry that historically has been slow to evolve.
While the Golden Globes serve as an early bellwether for Oscar success, they also hold symbolic weight for those hoping to see trans artists celebrated on the grandest stages. For Karla Sofía Gascón, a win would cement a personal victory she once thought might cost her everything. Instead, it could be the launchpad for the next chapter of a career she’s nurtured for decades.
No matter the final tally of trophies, one thing is clear: Karla Sofía Gascón’s nomination—and “Emilia Perez” itself—has already won the hearts of moviegoers craving a more inclusive world. With every award, every acceptance speech, and every interview, Gascón amplifies a message of authenticity and hope, reminding us that sometimes the hardest journeys lead to the most extraordinary destinations.
Update: Sunday Night Results at the 82nd Golden Globes
“Emilia Perez” continued its winning streak by taking home four Golden Globes: Best Film – Comedy or Musical, Best Original Song (for “El Mal”), Best Non-English Language Film, and Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldana. During the acceptance speech, director Jacques Audiard briefly ceded the microphone to star Karla Sofía Gascón, who addressed the audience in a red-and-orange gown symbolizing Buddhism.
“You can put us in jail, you can beat us up, but you never can take away our soul or existence or identity,” Gascón declared. “Raise your voice—I am who I am, not who you want.” Despite this triumphant moment for trans visibility, Gascón was edged out for Best Actress – Musical or Comedy by American star Demi Moore for her body-horror film “The Substance.”
Even so, “Emilia Perez” remains firmly on the awards-season radar. Primarily in Spanish and billed as an operatic musical about a Mexican cartel leader transitioning to live openly as a woman, the film is now considered an Oscar-tipped frontrunner.
