As Hollywood gears up for the 2025 Academy Awards, controversies surrounding nominees and films have ignited heated debates, casting a shadow over what is meant to be the industry’s most glamorous night.
Karla Sofia Gascon’s historic nomination sparks backlash
Karla Sofia Gascon, the first transgender actress nominated for Best Actress, has found herself at the center of controversy after past racist tweets resurfaced.
Karla Sofia Gascon, who plays a drug lord undergoing gender transition in Emilia Perez, faced severe backlash after social media users unearthed old tweets containing offensive remarks about George Floyd and Adolf Hitler.
According to The Sun reports, despite issuing an apology, the damage to her Oscar prospects seems significant. The scandal deepened when Gascon alleged that some of the attacks were orchestrated by rival camps, specifically those supporting fellow Best Actress nominee Fernanda Torres.
Best Picture race mired in AI and cultural insensitivity debates
The controversy extends beyond individual actors to the Best Picture race. ‘The Brutalist,’ a top contender, has been accused of using AI to manipulate actors’ accents, sparking concerns over authenticity, according to The Sun reports. While director Brady Corbet has denied the claims, insisting that performances were unaltered, skepticism remains.
The film’s lead actor, Adrien Brody, has also come under scrutiny for past controversies, particularly a 2003 Saturday Night Live appearance where he wore dreadlocks and engaged in racially insensitive portrayals. Meanwhile, Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres, nominated for ‘I’m Still Here,’ faced backlash for participating in blackface comedy sketches two decades ago.
Meanwhile, ‘The Brutalist’ received a 4 out of 5 star rating from ETimes with our official review reading, “At over three hours, ‘The Brutalist” is a demanding watch. The deliberate pacing allows for a slow-burn immersion into László’s world, though some sequences may feel overly drawn out. However, the film’s ability to explore the intersection of art, power, and identity with such precision makes it a rewarding experience for patient viewers.”
Smear campaigns in Hollywood
Rumors of smear campaigns targeting nominees have intensified. Karla Sofia Gascon’s supporters believe that the outrage surrounding her nomination is a coordinated attempt to derail her Oscar chances, especially as Emilia Perez itself has faced criticism for its depiction of Mexican drug cartels.
Adding to the Academy’s troubles, Conclave, a British film about a papal election, has drawn protests from Catholic groups who argue it mocks religious traditions. The timing is particularly sensitive, given Pope Francis’ deteriorating health.
The Ralph Fiennes starrer ‘Conclave’ received good reviews from the critics, with ETimes giving it a rating of 4 out of 5, and our official review says, “The twist in the climax is moving and a testament to outstanding filmmaking. Beyond the great acting, writing, and direction, at the heart of the Conclave lies our basic human dilemma. Our obsession with certainty and need for power is addressed in a glorious monologue. There’s no faith without doubt, and it’s more important to be worthy than ambitious. Conclave not just makes you think; it makes you think better. It confronts and challenges your perception of right and wrong, justice over reputation, and why silence is not always stronger than words.”
Meanwhile, whether these controversies will impact the final results remains to be seen, but they have undoubtedly shaped the narrative leading up to the biggest night in cinema.