"Why ‘Emilia Pérez’ Faces Backlash at Home Despite Oscar Glory"

"Despite receiving 13 Oscar nominations, ‘Emilia Pérez’ has garnered widespread backlash in Mexico due to its controversial depiction of cartel violence and cultural issues. While it has fared well internationally, the film's reception at home tells a different story."

“Emilia Pérez” is set to make waves at the Academy Awards, boasting an impressive 13 nominations, the highest for any non-English language film in Oscar history. The film, which tells the story of a transgender Mexican cartel leader coming to terms with her past, has won accolades, including best comedy or musical at the Golden Globes.

However, its reception in Mexico has been less than stellar. Critics have condemned it for downplaying the pervasive cartel violence that has impacted many lives across the nation. Additionally, comments from the film’s French director, Jacques Audiard, about the Spanish language, along with remarks from the lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón, regarding Islam and George Floyd, have further fueled dissatisfaction among Mexican audiences.

The film was only released in Mexico on January 23, months after its debut in France and the U.S., leading to largely empty theaters. Some viewers have even sought refunds.

The critique has also inspired creative responses, such as a short film parodying its French origins that became popular online, and the film itself has become a source of memes across social media. Families of violence victims in Mexico have openly denounced the movie, calling it a disaster.

Film expert Francisco Peredo Castro described the fallout, saying, “It has become a real disaster,” indicating the complexity and strife surrounding this film that, while celebrated abroad, struggles to connect with its own culture and audience.