The Mexican musical-thriller Emilia Pérez has taken the Oscars by storm, landing an impressive 13 nominations.
Yet, the film is dividing fans and critics alike, with some branding it “the worst movie ever.”
EMILIA PÉREZ‘S MIXED REVIEWS
Released on Netflix last year, the film initially received mixed reviews, but its recent awards success has ignited a fierce backlash online, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The star-studded cast includes Adriana Paz, Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, and Karla Sofía Gascón.
Karla has made Oscar history as the first openly trans actress nominated for Best Actress. She is nominated alongside Zoe, who is nominated for Best Supporting Actress.
Despite this historic milestone, fans have flooded social media with harsh critiques.
FANS ROAST THE FILM ONLINE
One fan posted on X (formerly Twitter), “How did Emilia Pérez get 13 nominations? It’s baffling. Easily the worst movie to receive double-digit nods.”
Another added, “Zoe Saldaña deserves Oscar recognition, but not for this. She’s had so many better roles.”
Others questioned the film’s nominations in technical categories like Best Editing and Best Original Song. “These songs sound like they were translated on Google by someone who’s never heard Latino music.”
THE PLOT OF EMILIA PÉREZ
The film follows a lawyer who helps a cartel boss fake his death and reinvent himself as a woman. This is a bold premise that earned praise for its originality, according to The News.
However, the execution has left audiences divided. While some viewers see it as a groundbreaking work, others argue it’s an overhyped mess.
A South African fan on Instagram commented, “This movie doesn’t hold a candle to some of our local productions. Makes me appreciate South African talent even more.”
EMILIA PÉREZ‘S ACCOLADES
Despite the criticism, Emilia Pérez has garnered notable accolades.
It won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival last May, and its ensemble cast earned the Best Actress award, according to Time.
Nina García, Editor-in-Chief of Elle, called it “a miracle of a movie” at the premiere. She added, “It’s surprising, moving, and audacious. Most of all, it’s a complete original.”
STAR POWER OF SUBSTANCE
Selena Gomez also spoke about the bond between the cast, saying, “The sisterhood got us through. It still gets me through. I’m so glad I’m not doing these scary things alone.”
Emilia Pérez raises questions about how international films are evaluated. Does star power outweigh substance?
One Cape Town movie enthusiast shared on Facebook, “We celebrate Karla’s historic nomination, but should a movie this divisive dominate the Oscars?
We have films like Tsotsi and Barakat with far more heart.”
THE OSCARS
The Oscars buzz is bittersweet for Emilia Pérez. On one hand, it’s celebrated for its representation and audacity.
On the other, fans are questioning whether it truly deserves its place alongside nominees like Wicked and Dune: Part Two.
A CULTURAL TALKING POINT
With categories like Best Picture, Best Director, and two nods for Best Original Song, the pressure is on for the film to prove its worth on Oscarnight.
While Emilia Pérez may be dividing opinions, it’s undeniably a cultural talking point. For now, its legacy lies in the eye of the beholder – or perhaps in the hands of the Academy.
DO YOU BELIEVE STAR POWER CAN OUTWEIGH A FILM’S QUALITY?
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