Karla Sofia Gascón Breaks New Ground as First Out Trans Nominee at SAG Awards

Awards season is upon us, and with it comes the excitement of groundbreaking moments that redefine the entertainment landscape. This year, Karla Sofia Gascón has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first openly transgender performer to be nominated in a solo category at the prestigious 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards.

The talented Spanish actress has been recognized for her outstanding performance in the film Emilia Pérez. Gascón’s nomination for Best Female Actor in a Leading Role is a significant step forward for transgender representation in the entertainment industry, heralding a new era of inclusivity and recognition for trans talent in mainstream media.

The film, Emilia Pérez, is a groundbreaking trans musical drama that has captivated audiences with its compelling storyline and dynamic performances. In addition to Gascón’s nomination, the film has garnered two other nominations at the SAG Awards. These include Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, with the latter nod going to the immensely talented Zoe Saldaña.

Fierce Competition at the SAG Awards

The competition at this year’s awards is intense, with several films vying for top honors. The ceremony, set to be held on February 23 at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles, will see Emilia Pérez going up against formidable contenders.

Among these is Jon M. Chu’s highly anticipated movie adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked. With five nominations, Wicked is a major player at the awards. The film has received nominations for Best Female Actor in a Leading Role for Cynthia Erivo, Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for Ariana Grande, Male Actor in a Supporting Role for Jonathan Bailey, and Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture.

Another strong contender is the Timothée Chalamet-fronted biopic A Complete Unknown, which chronicles the life of the iconic musician Bob Dylan. With four nominations, this film is also in the running for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, adding to the fiercely competitive landscape of this year’s awards.

LGBTQ+ Representation Shines Bright

The Screen Actors Guild Awards this year feature a wealth of LGBTQ+ talent, showcasing the diversity and depth of performances across various categories. Among the nominees is Colman Domingo, who is recognized for his powerful performance in Sing Sing, earning a nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role.

Joining him is Ayo Edebiri, whose comedic brilliance in the television series The Bear has earned her a nod for Female Actor in a Comedy Series. Other notable LGBTQ+ nominees include Andrew Scott for his role in Ripley and Jodie Foster, nominated for her performance in True Detective: Night Country.

The nominations also extend to Richard Gadd for Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series, Jessica Gunning for Female Actor in Baby Reindeer, and Lily Gladstone for her role in Under the Bridge. These nominations highlight the incredible range of talent within the LGBTQ+ community and emphasize the importance of diverse storytelling in Hollywood.

The Screen Actors Guild Awards will be accessible to a wide audience, as they will be streamed on Netflix on February 23 at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT. This accessibility ensures that viewers worldwide can witness this historic occasion, celebrating the achievements of outstanding performers and the strides made toward greater representation and inclusion.

As the curtain rises on this year’s awards, Karla Sofia Gascón’s historic nomination stands as a beacon of progress, inspiring countless individuals within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Her achievement is a testament to the power of perseverance and the evolving narrative of diversity in the arts.

With the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards just around the corner, all eyes will be on the groundbreaking performances and the stories that have touched audiences around the globe. It is a moment to celebrate the art of storytelling and the voices that continue to shape the future of entertainment.