Karla Sofía Gascón, known for her standout role in Netflix’s Emilia Pérez, has made history as the first openly transgender actor to be nominated for an Academy Award in an acting category. Her nomination in the Best Actress category marks a significant milestone not only for her illustrious career but also for the broader representation of transgender people in the film industry.
Emilia Pérez, directed by the acclaimed Jacques Audiard, is a musical crime thriller that has taken the 2025 Oscars by storm. The film has garnered an unprecedented 13 nominations, setting a new record for the most nominations ever received by a non-English language film. Gascón’s performance as the titular character is at the heart of this cinematic triumph.
The film tells the story of Emilia Pérez, a former Mexican cartel leader who orchestrates an elaborate plan to fake her own death with the help of her tenacious lawyer, Rita, played by Zoë Saldaña. The ruse is part of Emilia's quest to access gender-affirming surgery and live authentically as a trans woman. Gascón's portrayal of Emilia has been widely praised for its depth and authenticity, capturing both the character's strength and vulnerability.
In addition to her Oscar nomination, Gascón has been a trailblazer throughout the awards season. Earlier in the year, she made headlines by winning the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first transgender woman to do so. Her performance continued to garner acclaim, earning her a nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) at the Golden Globes. Although she did not win, the nomination itself was a considerable achievement and a testament to her talent.
Gascón’s groundbreaking journey continues as she vies for the Lead Actress award at this year’s BAFTA Awards. Her nomination marks the first time an openly transgender actor has been recognized in this category by the prestigious British institution.
Reflecting on the history of transgender representation at the Oscars, it’s notable that Elliot Page was previously nominated for an acting award in 2008 for Juno, but at that time, Page had not yet come out as transgender. Gascón’s nomination thus stands as a significant moment of visibility and recognition for transgender actors today.
The Best Actress category this year is fiercely competitive. Karla Sofía Gascón is up against formidable talents such as Cynthia Erivo for Wicked, Demi Moore for The Substance, Mickey Madison in Anora, and Fernanda Torres for I’m Still Here. Each nominee brings a unique and powerful performance to the table, making this one of the most exciting categories to watch.
If Cynthia Erivo triumphs, she will join the exclusive EGOT club, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Meanwhile, a win for Demi Moore would mark her second major acting accolade, following her recent Golden Globes success.
Gascón’s co-star, Zoë Saldaña, also received a nomination in the Best Supporting Actress category. She faces strong competition from first-time nominee Ariana Grande for Wicked, Monica Barbaro for A Complete Unknown, Felicity Jones for The Brutalist, and Isabella Rossellini for Conclave.
The broader Oscar nominations also highlighted the achievements of queer performers, with Colman Domingo earning his second Best Actor nomination in three years for his role in Sing Sing. Additionally, Wicked, a favorite among LGBTQ+ audiences, secured 10 nominations, underscoring the presence of diverse narratives in this year’s lineup.
The 2025 Academy Awards nominations were announced by actors Rachel Sennott and Bowen Yang during a ceremony in Los Angeles, where the presenters expressed solidarity with those affected by the ongoing wildfires in LA County. The anticipation is building for the Oscars ceremony, set to take place on March 3, 2025.
As the world watches these historic nominations unfold, the achievements of Karla Sofía Gascón and her fellow nominees are set to inspire countless individuals, highlighting the importance of diversity and representation in the arts.
We invite you to share your thoughts and join the discussion in the comments below. Let’s continue to celebrate these stories and the progress they represent, while maintaining a respectful dialogue.
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