When Emilia Pérez swept the 2025 Golden Globes with four major awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, the night should have been an unequivocal celebration. The French-Spanish musical, directed by Jacques Audiard, made history. Zoe Saldaña became the first Dominican-American woman to win a Golden Globe. And Karla Sofía Gascón earned a groundbreaking nomination as the first openly trans woman in the film categories.

But for many, the success came with a side of controversy. Latino audiences and the LGBTQ+ community remain sharply divided over the film’s portrayal of Mexican culture, trans identity, and its lack of authentic representation.

Emilia Pérez: A Star-Studded Film That Shines on Paper

From its premiere at Cannes, where it earned the Jury Prize and collective Best Actress recognition for its ensemble cast, Emilia Pérez has been showered with industry praise. The musical follows Rita Mora Castro, played by Saldaña, a lawyer in Mexico entangled in the dangerous yet transformative journey of Emilia Pérez, a cartel kingpin portrayed by Gascón.

The film was hailed as a genre-defying blend of musical theater, crime drama, and heartfelt storytelling. Critics like Stephanie Zacharek of Time called it “fierce and glorious.” Meanwhile, director James Cameron praised it as “bold” and “daring.” Industry heavyweights such as Meryl Streep, Guillermo del Toro, and Emily Blunt have also celebrated their artistic achievements.

Selena Gomez, who starred as Jessi Del Monte, the cartel leader’s wife, earned nominations for both this role and her work in Only Murders in the Building. This made her the second Latina in 35 years to receive Golden Globe nominations in film and TV. Gomez described the project as “necessary” for her connection to her heritage. She told HOLA! that it allowed her to nurture her Latina identity in ways her career had previously limited.

The Critics: Lack of Authenticity Hits a Nerve

Despite its acclaim, Emilia Pérez has faced sharp criticism, particularly from Latino audiences. Much of the backlash stems from Jacques Audiard’s decision to film in Europe instead of Mexico, a choice that some felt stripped the story of cultural authenticity. Critics have also pointed to the script’s reliance on stereotypes about Mexico and the drug trade.

Adriana Paz, one of the few Mexican actors in the cast, has been praised for her performance. However, her presence highlights a larger issue: why wasn’t more of the cast Mexican? Viewers took to social media to ask why a story so rooted in Mexican culture failed to prioritize Mexican talent.

Luca Guadagnino’s dramatic walkout during the Golden Globes ceremony symbolized the frustrations of many who feel the film missed the mark.

Trans Representation in Emilia Pérez Under Scrutiny

The LGBTQ+ community has also expressed concerns. While Gascón’s performance as a transgender protagonist broke new ground, organizations like GLAAD have criticized the film for perpetuating harmful stereotypes. NPR critic Reanna Cruz said the film “paints trans women as liars,” and Drew Burnett Gregory of Autostraddle argued that it perpetuates misconceptions about trans identity.

Audiard’s narrative choices—such as framing gender transition as a means of escaping a criminal past—have been called out as reductive and problematic. Critics argue that despite hiring a trans actress, the film focuses too much on external transitions and misses opportunities for deeper, nuanced storytelling.

The Awards Show Highlighted Achievements—and Tensions

At the Golden Globes, emotions ran high. Saldaña’s win as Best Supporting Actress marked a significant milestone for Dominican representation in Hollywood, while Gascón’s heartfelt acceptance speech brought attention to the resilience of the trans community. “The light always wins over darkness,” she declared, dedicating the award to trans individuals around the world.

But the evening wasn’t without drama. Guadagnino’s walkout, combined with heated discussions online, underscored the polarized reception. While some celebrated the film as a step forward, others saw it as an example of Hollywood patting itself on the back without addressing systemic issues.

A Complex Legacy for Emilia Pérez

Whatever your opinion, Emilia Pérez undeniably marks a pivotal moment in film history. From its genre-bending storytelling to its historic wins, the movie has sparked critical conversations about representation and inclusion.

Yet, the film also serves as a reminder that progress is often messy. Latino audiences and LGBTQ+ advocates are challenging Hollywood to do better—demanding stories that respect and reflect the communities they claim to represent.

In the end, Emilia Pérez may be remembered not just for the history it made but also for the debates it ignited about the future of authentic representation in cinema.

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