As Hollywood gears up for the 2025 Academy Awards, controversies surrounding nominees and films have ignited heated debates, casting a shadow over what is meant to be the industry’s most glamorous night.
Karla Sofia Gascon’s historic nomination sparks backlashKarla Sofia Gascon, the first transgender actress nominated for Best Actress, has found herself at the center of controversy after past racist tweets resurfaced.
Karla Sofia Gascon, who plays a drug lord undergoing gender transition in Emilia Perez, faced severe backlash after social media users unearthed old tweets containing offensive remarks about George Floyd and Adolf Hitler.
According to The Sun reports, despite issuing an apology, the damage to her Oscar prospects seems significant. The scandal deepened when Gascon alleged that some of the attacks were orchestrated by rival camps, specifically those supporting fellow Best Actress nominee Fernanda Torres.
Best Picture race mired in AI and cultural insensitivity debatesThe controversy extends beyond individual actors to the Best Picture race. ‘The Brutalist,’ a top contender, has been accused of using AI to manipulate actors’ accents, sparking concerns over authenticity, according to The Sun reports. While director Brady Corbet has denied the claims, insisting that performances were unaltered, skepticism remains.
The film’s lead actor, Adrien Brody, has also come under scrutiny for past controversies, particularly a 2003 Saturday Night Live appearance where he wore dreadlocks and engaged in racially insensitive portrayals. Meanwhile, Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres, nominated for ‘I’m Still Here,’ faced backlash for participating in blackface comedy sketches two decades ago.
Meanwhile, ‘The Brutalist’ received a 4 out of 5 star rating from ETimes with our official review reading, “At over three hours, ‘The Brutalist” is a demanding watch. The deliberate pacing allows for a slow-burn immersion into László’s world, though some sequences may feel overly drawn out. However, the film’s ability to explore the intersection of art, power, and identity with such precision makes it a rewarding experience for patient viewers.”
Smear campaigns in HollywoodRumors of smear campaigns targeting nominees have intensified. Karla Sofia Gascon’s supporters believe that the outrage surrounding her nomination is a coordinated attempt to derail her Oscar chances, especially as Emilia Perez itself has faced criticism for its depiction of Mexican drug cartels.
Adding to the Academy’s troubles, Conclave, a British film about a papal election, has drawn protests from Catholic groups who argue it mocks religious traditions. The timing is particularly sensitive, given Pope Francis’ deteriorating health.
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