Karla Sofía Gascón Shines in Groundbreaking Role in Emilia Pérez
There’s never been a film quite like Emilia Pérez, and its lead, Karla Sofía Gascón, is equally unique. Directed by Jacques Audiard, the movie features Gascón as a Mexico City cartel boss who fakes his death to undergo gender-affirming surgery in secret. Years later, now living as Emilia, she reaches out to the lawyer who helped her transition (played by Zoe Saldaña) with one last request: a reunion with the wife (Selena Gomez) and children she left behind, even though returning could have serious consequences.
This film blends multiple genres—gritty crime drama, family melodrama, trans empowerment narrative—and adds another twist: it’s a musical. The characters often break into song during love scenes or even during intense gunfights. The film’s success hinges on Gascón’s ability to embody these different aspects, making her performance one to watch. With Emilia Pérez set for a Netflix release in November, many believe Gascón could become the first openly trans actress nominated for an Oscar.
At the Cannes Film Festival in May, Gascón was the breakout star, winning a Best Actress award alongside her co-stars. With her fellow actors absent, Gascón delivered a powerful and emotional speech that became a highlight of the event. “I’ve never been given a prize,” she shared afterward. “I’ve mostly been given blows and kicks.”
Spanish-speaking audiences may recognize Gascón from Mexican telenovelas or the 2013 film Nosotros los Nobles. She transitioned six years ago, and while her transition was public, it came with many challenges. “People knew me a certain way and then I changed, so I constantly felt that I had to justify myself. I was always fighting with everyone,” she recalled. Criticism was relentless, with some claiming she was defying nature. Gascón responded with sharp wit, challenging those critics to reflect on their own lives.
During a recent lunch in Los Angeles, Gascón was animated and passionate as she recounted her journey, speaking in Spanish with a translator present. Her dynamic personality contrasts with her character Emilia, who conveys a lot with very few words. Yet, those who worked with her, including Saldaña, noted the similarities between the two. “There were moments in which I was like, what is the difference between Emilia and Karla?” Saldaña remarked. Director Audiard echoed this, saying, “I think that Emilia is Karla Sofía. I wouldn’t know where one starts and the other ends.”
Gascón, who was born in Alcobendas, Spain, has always aimed high. By 16, she was determined to make a name for herself, calling Spanish TV stations to get on screen. After some small roles, she moved to Mexico, where she found success in action-packed roles. However, her most significant personal journey—transitioning—came later in life, with Gascón admitting that the toll it took nearly drove her to despair. Supported by her wife Marisa, she underwent gender-affirming surgery, even though she feared it might end her career.
Audiard initially struggled to cast the lead for Emilia Pérez, but found what he was looking for in Gascón. Despite her initial hesitation due to the musical aspect of the film, she won the role, bringing a mix of authority and playfulness that Audiard admired. During filming, Gascón committed fully, moving to Paris and even diving into dark places from her past to bring authenticity to her role.
As the film gears up for its release, Gascón is preparing for what could be a historic awards season. Though her trans identity might draw scrutiny, she is proud of her work and determined to focus on that, rather than engaging with detractors. “I think I can contribute more just by talking about my work,” she said.
At 52, Gascón feels at peace, embracing her newfound balance and freedom. She remains focused on the present, acknowledging the significance of this moment in her career, but her main concern is what comes next. “What I’m afraid of,” she said, “is how am I going to be able to top this?”
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