Emilia Perez's director has spoken about scandal-hit star Karla Sofia Gascon. The actress made the decision not to attend the BAFTAs on Sunday after controversial historic social media posts resurfaced. Emilia Perez lead the nominations, with a total of 11 at the glitzy ceremony with stars including Selena Gomez in attendance to recognise the film. It's expected that the movie will sweep the board at the upcoming Oscars next month but Karla, the first openly trans nominee, made the decision not to attend any events to promote the movie due to the scandal surrounding her. She previously issued multiple apologies for the old posts, which date back to 2020, including some about George Floyd and Islam.
As the film took home the award for Film Not in the English Language Award, director Jacques Audiard appeared on stage to thank the on-screen talent. He said he was "touched" by the victory and added that the award was "was for everyone who worked tirelessness on this film.". During his acceptance speech, he also paid tribute to other nominees including Ireland's Kneecap, as well as Brazil's I'm Not There. He later added that he "he would like to thank the wonderful talents", and also named his "dear Zoe [Saldana], and "Selena [Gomez].".
Jacques later went on to speak about Karla who he called "dear." Zoe Saldana won the supporting actress BAFTA for her role in the movie. Saldana, who won in the same category at the Golden Globes, said the win was "so validating" and "a true honour". She added: "This was a creative challenge of a lifetime, how do you begin to even approach a film that just defies categorisation, and you start by taking the lead of (director) Jacques Audiard." She then swore after saying she was being given a countdown and added: "Films are supposed to change hearts and challenge minds and I hope Emilia Perez did something like this, because voices need to be heard, just not my English accent.".
A look back through the Spanish actor's X/Twitter posts since 2016 unearthed a number of offensive comments. About Muslims, she wrote: "Islam is becoming a hotbed of infection for humanity" and about the victim of police brutality, George Floyd, she described him as "a drug addict swindler". Apologising for the posts, Karla said: "I want to acknowledge the conversation around my past social media posts that have caused hurt. As someone in a marginalised community, I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain. All my life I have fought for a better world. I believe light will always triumph over darkness.".
Zoe Saldaña responded to the situation in an interview with Variety's podcast, saying the entire thing left her feeling "sad". She explained: "Time and time again, that's the word because that is the sentiment that has been living in my chest since everything happened. I'm also disappointed. I can't speak for other people’s actions. All I can attest to is my experience, and never in a million years did I ever believe that we would be here.".
She was also asked about Karla's claim that she and Selena Gomez were supporting her 200%. However, she answered with what the publication called a 'long blink'. Zoe said: "I do not support any negative rhetoric of racism and bigotry towards any group of people. That is what I want to stand for.". Zoe continued: "I'm allowing myself to still experience that joy because we did come together as a team. But we are also individuals who are responsible for everything that we say and everything that we do." The actress went on to claim she saw a considerable difference between Karla on set and her social media posts.
