Zoe Saldana Named Oscar Favorite Amid Controversial Backdrop

Karla Sofía Gascón, star of 'Emilia Pérez', faced backlash due to resurfaced controversial tweets about Muslims and diversity, leading to disappointment from her co-star Zoe Saldana, who publicly condemned the remarks. Despite the controversy, Saldana is a frontrunner for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in the film, which has garnered 13 nominations at this year's ceremony. Chris Pratt praised Saldana's talent and predicted her rise to the top of Hollywood, emphasizing her multifaceted contributions as an actress and mother. The film, directed by Jacques Audiard, has received critical acclaim and multiple awards, including wins at the SAG and BAFTA. Speculation surrounds whether Gascón will join her co-stars on the red carpet amidst the ongoing controversy. The 97th Academy Awards, where Saldana is competing for the Oscar, will take place on March 2, 2025.