Emilia Perez Wins BAFTA Amidst Backlash

Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, won the BAFTA for Best Film Not in the English Language amidst controversy surrounding its star, Karla Sofia Gascón. Gascón, the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for a BAFTA and an Oscar, faced backlash for past offensive tweets about George Floyd and Islam. Despite the controversy, Audiard and co-star Zoe Saldaña acknowledged Gascón in their acceptance speeches, emphasizing their pride in the film's achievements. Many BAFTA voters cast their ballots before the controversy erupted, allowing the film to maintain its momentum in the awards circuit. Gascón has issued apologies, stating she is not the same person she was when the tweets were made. The film, despite its controversies, continues to be a significant contender in the international awards landscape.