Karla Sofía Gascón, the acclaimed star of Emilia Perez, has offered pointed advice to Timothée Chalamet as he navigates a storm of criticism during Oscars week. The Best Actor nominee has ignited fierce backlash after declaring that 'no one cares' about ballet and opera during a recent public appearance.
Gascón's Blunt Response on Social Media
Gascón, who faced her own awards season controversy last year, responded to an Instagram meme posted by her manager Sandro Rubini. The meme depicted Chalamet's character from Marty Supreme asking the actress for guidance. 'Hola Karla, do you think they gonna make me pass the red carpet at the Oscars?' the caption read.
In a characteristically direct reply, Gascón wrote: 'Are you a trans woman? Then don't worry about it, Tim. Besides, I love ballet slippers and I've seen 'The Phantom of the Opera' ten times. Not sure if that counts for anything. Best of luck with the awards.'
She added a reflective note on public perception: 'Even though no one has seen or heard me say anything, while they have both seen and heard you, people still seem to prefer believing whatever the bad guys claim I said.'
Gascón's Own Controversial Past
Karla Sofía Gascón made history as the first trans woman to receive an acting Oscar nomination, initially emerging as a strong favourite to win. However, her campaign was derailed when journalist Sarah Hagi unearthed racist and anti-Islam tweets she posted in 2020 and 2021.
The subsequent uproar led Gascón to skip the BAFTA, SAG, and Goya Awards ceremonies, though she did attend the Oscars while avoiding the red carpet. She ultimately lost the Best Actress Oscar to Mikey Madison.
Gascón issued a public apology via Netflix, stating: 'As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain. All my life I have fought for a better world. I believe light will always triumph over darkness.'
In a CNN interview, she expressed feeling unfairly judged: 'I have been judged, condemned, sacrificed, crucified, and stoned without a trial and without the option to defend myself.'
Chalamet's Controversial Remarks
Timothée Chalamet sparked outrage during an hour-long Variety/CNN Town Hall with Matthew McConaughey on February 24. The actor remarked: 'I don't want to be working in ballet or opera. Things where it's like, 'Hey, keep this thing alive, even though no one cares about this anymore.''
Realising his gaffe, Chalamet attempted to backtrack: 'All respect to all the ballet and opera people out there... I just lost 14 cents in viewership. Damn, I just took shots for no reason.'
Oscars Prospects in Jeopardy
According to Gold Derby predictions, Chalamet's chances of winning the Best Actor Oscar have slipped to 36.99 percent. Michael B. Jordan, who secured a surprise SAG award victory, now leads with a 48.28 percent probability for his portrayal of twin brothers.
However, with many of the 11,000 registered Academy members likely having cast their ballots before voting closed last Thursday, it remains uncertain whether the controversy will significantly impact the final outcome.
Chalamet is nominated for two Oscars—Best Picture and Best Actor—for his producing and starring role in Marty Supreme at the 98th Academy Awards this Sunday. He was previously considered the frontrunner after winning Best Actor at the Critics' Choice Awards on January 4 and the Golden Globe Awards on January 11.
