

Netflix has swiftly shifted its annual BAFTA afterparty to a new venue after a fire disrupted plans at the Chiltern Firehouse. The incident, which took place on Friday afternoon in London’s Marylebone neighborhood, led to the safe evacuation of over 100 guests and staff. Firefighters from several stations contained the blaze that affected the historic building, prompting its closure until further notice.
The global streaming service will now host the star-studded event at The Twenty Two, a luxury hotel in Mayfair’s Grosvenor Square. This change comes less than 24 hours after the fire, leaving organizers scrambling to ensure that the celebration honoring its talent proceeds without interruption.
Netflix’s party, traditionally held after the BAFTA Film Awards, has evolved into a favorite event on the post-awards circuit, drawing a mix of actors, filmmakers, and industry executives. Previous years have seen notable names like Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldana, and Wallace and Gromit...
The global streaming service will now host the star-studded event at The Twenty Two, a luxury hotel in Mayfair’s Grosvenor Square. This change comes less than 24 hours after the fire, leaving organizers scrambling to ensure that the celebration honoring its talent proceeds without interruption.
Netflix’s party, traditionally held after the BAFTA Film Awards, has evolved into a favorite event on the post-awards circuit, drawing a mix of actors, filmmakers, and industry executives. Previous years have seen notable names like Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldana, and Wallace and Gromit...
- 2/15/2025
- by Naser Nahandian
- Gazettely


Netflix faces fresh criticism as its Oscar-nominated film “Emilia Pérez” becomes entangled in controversy over lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón’s past social media comments. The film, which boasts 13 Academy Award nominations and stars a pioneering transgender performer, now finds its campaign overshadowed by remarks Gascón made about Islam, George Floyd, and the Oscars’ treatment of diversity.
Gascón, whose portrayal of a Mexican cartel leader seeking a new life captured widespread attention, had previously posted comments that many found offensive. Although she has issued an apology and claimed her words were misinterpreted, her removal from key promotional events has left industry insiders and audiences divided.
Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, addressed the matter during a podcast interview, remarking that the situation has affected a large group of talented individuals involved with the project. “It is a bummer for 100 incredibly talented people who made an amazing movie,” Bajaria said.
Gascón, whose portrayal of a Mexican cartel leader seeking a new life captured widespread attention, had previously posted comments that many found offensive. Although she has issued an apology and claimed her words were misinterpreted, her removal from key promotional events has left industry insiders and audiences divided.
Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, addressed the matter during a podcast interview, remarking that the situation has affected a large group of talented individuals involved with the project. “It is a bummer for 100 incredibly talented people who made an amazing movie,” Bajaria said.
- 2/15/2025
- by Naser Nahandian
- Gazettely

Netflix boss Bela Bajaria has broken her silence to admit the controversy surrounding the leading actress of the streamer’s Oscar-nominated film Emilia Pérez “really is a bummer.”
Spanish actress Karla Sofía Gascón is nominated in the Lead Actress category, but has been on the back foot this Awards Season since tweets she previously posted making comments about Islam, the murder of George Floyd and diversity at the Oscars have come to light.
Speaking on The Town podcast, the streamer’s Chief Content Officer Bajaria said:
“I think it’s really a bummer for the 100 incredibly talented people who made an amazing movie. If you look at the nominations, and all of this awards love that it’s received, I think it’s such a bummer that it distracted from that.
“It really has kind of taken the conversation in a different way [from] this incredible movie that Jacques Audiard – who...
Spanish actress Karla Sofía Gascón is nominated in the Lead Actress category, but has been on the back foot this Awards Season since tweets she previously posted making comments about Islam, the murder of George Floyd and diversity at the Oscars have come to light.
Speaking on The Town podcast, the streamer’s Chief Content Officer Bajaria said:
“I think it’s really a bummer for the 100 incredibly talented people who made an amazing movie. If you look at the nominations, and all of this awards love that it’s received, I think it’s such a bummer that it distracted from that.
“It really has kind of taken the conversation in a different way [from] this incredible movie that Jacques Audiard – who...
- 2/15/2025
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV

Netflix has finally addressed the controversy surrounding its Oscar-nominated film Emilia Pérez and the backlash against its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón. Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria spoke about the issue during an interview on The Town podcast, responding to the resurfacing of Gascón’s old social media posts that contained racist and xenophobic remarks.
The uproar has overshadowed the film’s success, which secured 13 Academy Award nominations, making it the most-nominated non-English language film in Oscar history.
Bajaria acknowledged the situation, expressing disappointment that the controversy had taken attention away from the hard work of the cast and crew. “I think it’s really a bummer for the 100 incredibly talented people who made an amazing movie,” she said.
Related: The Academy Is Considering New Oscar Submission Rules That Would Require Films To Disclose Any Use of AI Following ‘The Brutalist’ and ‘Emilia Pérez’ Controversies
“And if you look at the nominations,...
The uproar has overshadowed the film’s success, which secured 13 Academy Award nominations, making it the most-nominated non-English language film in Oscar history.
Bajaria acknowledged the situation, expressing disappointment that the controversy had taken attention away from the hard work of the cast and crew. “I think it’s really a bummer for the 100 incredibly talented people who made an amazing movie,” she said.
Related: The Academy Is Considering New Oscar Submission Rules That Would Require Films To Disclose Any Use of AI Following ‘The Brutalist’ and ‘Emilia Pérez’ Controversies
“And if you look at the nominations,...
- 2/15/2025
- by Robert Milakovic
- Fiction Horizon

After director Jacques Audiard and co-stars Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez have all shared their own reactions to the fallout surrounding Oscar-nominated “Emilia Pérez” lead Karla Sofía Gascón’s offensive tweets being unearthed, the film’s distributor Netflix has finally weighed in on the controversy through Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria appearing on the podcast “The Town with Matthew Belloni.”
“You know what I think is really a bummer for a hundred very incredibly talented people who made an amazing movie, and if you look at the nominations, and all of these sort of awards love that it’s received, I think it’s such a bummer that it’s distracted from that,” said the Netflix executive when asked for her initial reaction to Gascón’s tweets. “It really has kind of taken the conversation in a different way, except for this incredible movie that Jacques Audiard, who’s an incredible director,...
“You know what I think is really a bummer for a hundred very incredibly talented people who made an amazing movie, and if you look at the nominations, and all of these sort of awards love that it’s received, I think it’s such a bummer that it’s distracted from that,” said the Netflix executive when asked for her initial reaction to Gascón’s tweets. “It really has kind of taken the conversation in a different way, except for this incredible movie that Jacques Audiard, who’s an incredible director,...
- 2/14/2025
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire

Under picturesque snowfall and sub-zero temperatures, Timothée Chalamet braved the chill in Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz on Friday, stopping to sign autographs for a polite group of fans and collectors. The actor was in town to promote “A Complete Unknown,” his Bob Dylan biopic launching in Germany on Feb. 27 — but let’s be honest, there’s another reason for the European detour: Oscar campaigning.
While none of the eager autograph hunters will be checking his name on a ballot, multiple AMPAS voters later attended the film’s glittering Berlinale screening, making this yet another crucial pit stop on the road to the Dolby Theatre.
A short flight away and two weeks earlier, Demi Moore was making her presence felt at Armani Privé’s spring 2024 show during Couture Week in Paris. Her body horror thriller “The Substance” — directed by Parisian filmmaker Coralie Fargeat — has been making waves all season, with Moore...
While none of the eager autograph hunters will be checking his name on a ballot, multiple AMPAS voters later attended the film’s glittering Berlinale screening, making this yet another crucial pit stop on the road to the Dolby Theatre.
A short flight away and two weeks earlier, Demi Moore was making her presence felt at Armani Privé’s spring 2024 show during Couture Week in Paris. Her body horror thriller “The Substance” — directed by Parisian filmmaker Coralie Fargeat — has been making waves all season, with Moore...
- 2/14/2025
- by Alex Ritman and Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV

Mohammad Rasoulof is now comfortably able to participate in the stateside awards season for his 2025 Best International Feature Oscar nominee, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.”
But that was not an initial certainty for the Iranian Cannes-winning director, who fled his native country’s persecution (and repeated sentencing) for Germany after completing the film’s Tehran-based production in early spring 2024. Since then, he’s promoted the politically charged and institution-defying film, which entwines the actual Woman, Life, Freedom protests in Iran of 2022 with the fictional story of a Revolutionary Court judge (Missagh Zareh) whose gun goes missing, and how that impacts his two teenage daughters, played by Rezvan (Mahsa Rostami) and Sana (Setareh Maleki). The girls, who are embedded in those protests as shown through actual cell phone footage of the demonstrations, may be responsible for the gun’s disappearance.
Representing Germany where Rasoulof edited the film, the powerful “The Seed of the Sacred Fig...
But that was not an initial certainty for the Iranian Cannes-winning director, who fled his native country’s persecution (and repeated sentencing) for Germany after completing the film’s Tehran-based production in early spring 2024. Since then, he’s promoted the politically charged and institution-defying film, which entwines the actual Woman, Life, Freedom protests in Iran of 2022 with the fictional story of a Revolutionary Court judge (Missagh Zareh) whose gun goes missing, and how that impacts his two teenage daughters, played by Rezvan (Mahsa Rostami) and Sana (Setareh Maleki). The girls, who are embedded in those protests as shown through actual cell phone footage of the demonstrations, may be responsible for the gun’s disappearance.
Representing Germany where Rasoulof edited the film, the powerful “The Seed of the Sacred Fig...
- 2/14/2025
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire

It is a very cold February night in Berlin. As the snow falls and attendees of the Berlin Film Festival bundle up, Timothée Chalamet, walking the red carpet for a special screening of “A Complete Unknown,” looks utterly unbothered. Chalamet is taking yet another big fashion swing by wearing a cotton candy pink hoodie designed by Chrome Hearts along with pink sweatpants and pink shoes — as if he’s channeling a Care Bear, or the rose-colored Pac-Man ghost. All his fans scream and tremble as he takes selfies with him.
And then, when he’s signed practically every autograph, Chalamet, 29, reminds the crowd that he’s an A-list movie star. He strips off the hoodie and stands in the freezing cold in a matching pink tank top. Yes, this is a leading-man-from-the-’90s move, and the crowd goes even wilder. The entire scene is electric, and it caps off one...
And then, when he’s signed practically every autograph, Chalamet, 29, reminds the crowd that he’s an A-list movie star. He strips off the hoodie and stands in the freezing cold in a matching pink tank top. Yes, this is a leading-man-from-the-’90s move, and the crowd goes even wilder. The entire scene is electric, and it caps off one...
- 2/14/2025
- by Ramin Setoodeh
- Variety Film + TV

Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria swears she is open to doing more backend deals with filmmakers, talent, and producers, but she says almost none of them really want one, despite some public lobbying.
On his “The Town” podcast, Puck founder Matt Belloni grilled Bajaria on a large variety of topics: the scandal plaguing the “Emilia Pérez” Oscar push, Greta Gerwig’s special “Narnia” deal, and the usual chatter about sports programming and data transparency. One standout segment for us was a relatively brief conversation about backend deals, in which talent — an actor, a director, or a producer — reaps the financial rewards of a hit film or show through a percentage of the profits. The Netflix model of almost always skipping any meaningful theatrical release for films definitely complicates matters, and for series, some newly shared (but still kind of limited) viewership statistics open the back door a bit — but not completely.
On his “The Town” podcast, Puck founder Matt Belloni grilled Bajaria on a large variety of topics: the scandal plaguing the “Emilia Pérez” Oscar push, Greta Gerwig’s special “Narnia” deal, and the usual chatter about sports programming and data transparency. One standout segment for us was a relatively brief conversation about backend deals, in which talent — an actor, a director, or a producer — reaps the financial rewards of a hit film or show through a percentage of the profits. The Netflix model of almost always skipping any meaningful theatrical release for films definitely complicates matters, and for series, some newly shared (but still kind of limited) viewership statistics open the back door a bit — but not completely.
- 2/14/2025
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire

As the 2025 Oscars voting window inches closer and closer to closing for good on Tuesday, Netflix is standing behind its frontrunner, “Emilia Pérez.” Although, the streamer’s Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria did admit it’s a “bummer” that Karla Sofía Gascón’s racism scandal is distracting from the movie’s success.
“You know what I think is really a bummer for 100 very incredibly talented people who made an amazing movie?” she said on Friday’s episode of Matthew Belloni’s “The Town” podcast. “If you look at the nominations and all of the awards love it’s received, I think it’s such a bummer that it’s distracted from that.”
The musical’s leading actress has apologized multiple times after racist tweets of hers resurfaced mid-awards season in late January. Gascón deleted the anti-Black and anti-Muslim messages in question before ultimately deactivating her X account entirely.
“It’s...
“You know what I think is really a bummer for 100 very incredibly talented people who made an amazing movie?” she said on Friday’s episode of Matthew Belloni’s “The Town” podcast. “If you look at the nominations and all of the awards love it’s received, I think it’s such a bummer that it’s distracted from that.”
The musical’s leading actress has apologized multiple times after racist tweets of hers resurfaced mid-awards season in late January. Gascón deleted the anti-Black and anti-Muslim messages in question before ultimately deactivating her X account entirely.
“It’s...
- 2/14/2025
- by JD Knapp
- The Wrap

The last two years of the BAFTA Awards told opposite stories of how Britain’s most prestigious film honors correspond with their American counterpart, the Oscars. In 2023, they went wholly in their own direction, voting differently from AMPAS in all major categories — showering Edward Berger’s “All Quiet on the Western Front” with gold and all but ignoring Oscar darling “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Last year, however, they matched the Oscars in every category save for best visual effects, as Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” ran the table on both sides of the pond. The BAFTAs, in other words, are either the most crucial Oscar precursor or the most rogue; either way, pundits watch them with bated breath.
When BAFTA voters go their own way, it’s often in favor of contenders close to home. Berger’s follow-up to “All Quiet,” the well-liked Vatican thriller “Conclave,” is the only British...
When BAFTA voters go their own way, it’s often in favor of contenders close to home. Berger’s follow-up to “All Quiet,” the well-liked Vatican thriller “Conclave,” is the only British...
- 2/14/2025
- by Guy Lodge
- Variety Film + TV


Netflix is finally speaking out public about the controversy surrounding it’s Oscar-nominated film Emilia Perez and it’s star Karla Sofia Gascon.
Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria opened up about the controversy during an appearance on the podcast, The Town, where she was asked about Karla‘s past offensive tweets.
Keep reading to find out more…
“I think it’s really a bummer for the 100 incredibly talented people who made an amazing movie,” Bela shared on the podcast. “And if you look at the nominations, and all of this awards love that it’s received, I think it’s such a bummer that it distracted from that. It really has kind of taken the conversation in a different way [from] this incredible movie that Jacques Audiard — who is an incredible director — has made. It really is a bummer for a lot of the people, like [co-stars] Zoe [Saldaña] and Selena [Gomez]. And...
Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria opened up about the controversy during an appearance on the podcast, The Town, where she was asked about Karla‘s past offensive tweets.
Keep reading to find out more…
“I think it’s really a bummer for the 100 incredibly talented people who made an amazing movie,” Bela shared on the podcast. “And if you look at the nominations, and all of this awards love that it’s received, I think it’s such a bummer that it distracted from that. It really has kind of taken the conversation in a different way [from] this incredible movie that Jacques Audiard — who is an incredible director — has made. It really is a bummer for a lot of the people, like [co-stars] Zoe [Saldaña] and Selena [Gomez]. And...
- 2/14/2025
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared

Netflix is looking at “reevaluating” the process of vetting social media accounts for incoming talent after the “Emilia Pérez” awards campaign fielded controversy for the film’s star Karla Sofía Gascón, who drew backlash for resurfaced racist internet posts in January.
“We’re all having conversations about that,” Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria said on Puck and The Ringer’s podcast “The Town with Matthew Belloni.” “Are we going to actually look at people’s personal social media, of the tens of thousands of people every single day around the world, of the amount of original film and TV that we make, and licensing, and co-productions? We have to extrapolate, in a practical sort of way, what that means. … But I still think the hardest thing is that it really does detract from a movie that is so special.”
Along with arguing that there are practical difficulties to vetting...
“We’re all having conversations about that,” Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria said on Puck and The Ringer’s podcast “The Town with Matthew Belloni.” “Are we going to actually look at people’s personal social media, of the tens of thousands of people every single day around the world, of the amount of original film and TV that we make, and licensing, and co-productions? We have to extrapolate, in a practical sort of way, what that means. … But I still think the hardest thing is that it really does detract from a movie that is so special.”
Along with arguing that there are practical difficulties to vetting...
- 2/14/2025
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV

Netflix has been quiet since the social media past of its Oscar-nominated Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón surfaced in late January, forcing changes to and awkward conversations for her castmates on the awards campaign trail for Jacques Audiard’s ambitious Spanish-language drug cartel musical.
But on Thursday, Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria was asked what she thought of the controversy on an episode of the podcast The Town.
“You know what I think is really a bummer [is] for 100 very incredibly talented people who made an amazing movie,” she said. “If you look at the nominations and all of the awards love it’s received, I think it’s such a bummer that it’s distracted from that.”
Bajaria praised the awards campaign for the pic, which began way back in May after it hit the Cannes Film Festival, winning a combo Best Actress prize for Gascón, her eventual fellow Oscar nominee Zoe Saldaña,...
But on Thursday, Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria was asked what she thought of the controversy on an episode of the podcast The Town.
“You know what I think is really a bummer [is] for 100 very incredibly talented people who made an amazing movie,” she said. “If you look at the nominations and all of the awards love it’s received, I think it’s such a bummer that it’s distracted from that.”
Bajaria praised the awards campaign for the pic, which began way back in May after it hit the Cannes Film Festival, winning a combo Best Actress prize for Gascón, her eventual fellow Oscar nominee Zoe Saldaña,...
- 2/14/2025
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV


As someone who tends to lean toward minimalist fashion, I’ve always been fascinated by Selena Gomez’s sleek and sophisticated approach to red carpet dressing. Her recent appearance at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival was consistent with her preference for feminine outfits with clean, elegant lines.
Selena, one of the eight recipients of this year’s Virtuoso Award, demonstrated that she doesn’t need to wear something grand to get attention. She only needs a white mini-dress and matching shoes to steal the show.
Selena Gomez at the 40th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival: Virtuosos Award at The Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara, California (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
The Virtuosos Award honors a group of artists whose standout performances in their recent films have “propelled them into the forefront of national cinematic conversation.” Selena received the award for her role in the Spanish-language French musical crime film Emilia Pérez.
Selena, one of the eight recipients of this year’s Virtuoso Award, demonstrated that she doesn’t need to wear something grand to get attention. She only needs a white mini-dress and matching shoes to steal the show.
Selena Gomez at the 40th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival: Virtuosos Award at The Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara, California (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
The Virtuosos Award honors a group of artists whose standout performances in their recent films have “propelled them into the forefront of national cinematic conversation.” Selena received the award for her role in the Spanish-language French musical crime film Emilia Pérez.
- 2/14/2025
- by Anne De Guia
- Your Next Shoes

Exclusive: We can tell you first that the Camila Mendes is returning to SXSW with her latest production and co-headlined feature Idiotka which stars Anna Baryshnikov (Love Lies Bleeding). The movie, which is set in the vibrant, eccentric world of West Hollywood’s Russian enclave, unspools against the high-stakes drama of a ‘Project Runway’-style reality show. Idiotka, which reps the directorial debut of Nastasya Popov, is making its debut in the Narrative Spotlight section.
Mendes was at SXSW last year with her Prime Video movie, Musica, which she executive produced and starred in.
L to R top: Anna Baryshnikov, Camila Mendes, Julia Fox, Bottom L to R: Saweetie, Mark Ivanir, Owen Thiele, Benito Skinner.
Popov crafted the story for Idiotka alongside her creative partner Tess Cohen. Owen Thiele (Theater Camp), Benito Skinner (Overcompensating), Mark Ivanir (Emilia Pérez), recording artist Saweetie, and Julia Fox (Uncut Gems) also star. The ensemble...
Mendes was at SXSW last year with her Prime Video movie, Musica, which she executive produced and starred in.
L to R top: Anna Baryshnikov, Camila Mendes, Julia Fox, Bottom L to R: Saweetie, Mark Ivanir, Owen Thiele, Benito Skinner.
Popov crafted the story for Idiotka alongside her creative partner Tess Cohen. Owen Thiele (Theater Camp), Benito Skinner (Overcompensating), Mark Ivanir (Emilia Pérez), recording artist Saweetie, and Julia Fox (Uncut Gems) also star. The ensemble...
- 2/13/2025
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV


Despite the recent massive shakeup in the Oscar race after Anora took down The Brutalist at the Critics Choice, Directors Guild, and Producers Guild awards, look for The Brutalist to walk away with the most trophies at the 78th annual BAFTA Awards this weekend, according to Gold Derby’s winner predictions.
Both movies are going head-to-head for Best Film, where the other three nominees are A Complete Unknown, Conclave, and Emilia Pérez.
The Brutalist, which scored nine total BAFTA bids, is now forecasted to dominate the field by winning five trophies: Best Film, Best Director for Brady Corbet, Best Actor for Adrien Brody, Best Cinematography, and Best Score. The period piece tells the story of a Holocaust survivor who hopes to achieve the American Dream.
Anora, on the hand, is only eyeing victories for Best Original Screenplay for Sean Baker and Best Casting. The film stars Mikey Madison, the frontrunner...
Both movies are going head-to-head for Best Film, where the other three nominees are A Complete Unknown, Conclave, and Emilia Pérez.
The Brutalist, which scored nine total BAFTA bids, is now forecasted to dominate the field by winning five trophies: Best Film, Best Director for Brady Corbet, Best Actor for Adrien Brody, Best Cinematography, and Best Score. The period piece tells the story of a Holocaust survivor who hopes to achieve the American Dream.
Anora, on the hand, is only eyeing victories for Best Original Screenplay for Sean Baker and Best Casting. The film stars Mikey Madison, the frontrunner...
- 2/13/2025
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby

Embattled “Emilia Pérez” star Karla Sofía Gascón is not expected to attend Sunday’s BAFTA awards ceremony despite being nominated for Best Actress. The actress, who has been under fire for past racist tweets over the last month, is not among the list of confirmed attendees announced by BAFTA on Thursday. Her “Emilia Pérez” co-stars Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña will be presenting at the ceremony.
This is the latest awards ceremony that Gascón will skip after previously opting not to attend the AFI Awards luncheon, Critics Choice Awards or Producers Guild Awards. It’s unclear if she plans to attend the Oscars, where she’s nominated for Best Actress, in March.
Controversial, racist tweets from the actress resurfaced in late January, and her inflammatory opinions on Islam being permitted in Europe, Covid vaccines, George Floyd as a “hustler” and more have all put her awards campaign at risk. The...
This is the latest awards ceremony that Gascón will skip after previously opting not to attend the AFI Awards luncheon, Critics Choice Awards or Producers Guild Awards. It’s unclear if she plans to attend the Oscars, where she’s nominated for Best Actress, in March.
Controversial, racist tweets from the actress resurfaced in late January, and her inflammatory opinions on Islam being permitted in Europe, Covid vaccines, George Floyd as a “hustler” and more have all put her awards campaign at risk. The...
- 2/13/2025
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap

Actor, producer and director Diego Luna will direct “Ceniza en la boca” (“A Mouthful of Ash”), a film adaptation of Brenda Navarro’s novel of the same name.
The story follows Lucila, a 21-year-old young woman trying to find her place in the world while facing family pressure, misogyny and racism. Together with her younger brother, Diego, she travels to Spain to reunite with their mother, Isabel, who emigrated eight years earlier in search of a better future. Lucila’s arrival is anything but peaceful. The challenges she faces daily constantly remind her of her origins, for better or worse. This burden awakens in Lucila the need to emancipate herself, to live a life befitting her age, to stop being a surrogate mother to her brother, and to escape poorly paid jobs.
She soon realizes that reality cannot be molded to her will. Her attempts to take control of her...
The story follows Lucila, a 21-year-old young woman trying to find her place in the world while facing family pressure, misogyny and racism. Together with her younger brother, Diego, she travels to Spain to reunite with their mother, Isabel, who emigrated eight years earlier in search of a better future. Lucila’s arrival is anything but peaceful. The challenges she faces daily constantly remind her of her origins, for better or worse. This burden awakens in Lucila the need to emancipate herself, to live a life befitting her age, to stop being a surrogate mother to her brother, and to escape poorly paid jobs.
She soon realizes that reality cannot be molded to her will. Her attempts to take control of her...
- 2/13/2025
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV

Karla Sofía Gascón, as many might have already presumed, is not expected to attend the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony on Sunday night.
The “Emilia Pérez” star — who last month became the first openly trans actress to be nominated for a BAFTA — has been absent from awards shows since her racist posts on social media were uncovered just two weeks ago, having skipped Critics Choice Awards, PGA Awards and the Goya Awards in her native Spain. According to BAFTA, the highest profile event on the awards calendar to date, she’s not on its lineup of attendees either.
That said, Gascón’s “Emilia Pérez” co-stars Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña will be in room at London’s Royal Festival Hall (both are also competing for best supporting actress). Gomez and Saldaña are also set to present an award.
Other guest presenters — announced Thursday by the British Academy — include Adam Scott, Anna Kendrick,...
The “Emilia Pérez” star — who last month became the first openly trans actress to be nominated for a BAFTA — has been absent from awards shows since her racist posts on social media were uncovered just two weeks ago, having skipped Critics Choice Awards, PGA Awards and the Goya Awards in her native Spain. According to BAFTA, the highest profile event on the awards calendar to date, she’s not on its lineup of attendees either.
That said, Gascón’s “Emilia Pérez” co-stars Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña will be in room at London’s Royal Festival Hall (both are also competing for best supporting actress). Gomez and Saldaña are also set to present an award.
Other guest presenters — announced Thursday by the British Academy — include Adam Scott, Anna Kendrick,...
- 2/13/2025
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV

The 2025 awards season may still be a few weeks from its final hurrah, but it’s already had an impact on the film industry as buyers and sellers prepare to congregate once more at the European Film Market in Berlin.
With a lineup of Oscar frontrunners that includes “The Brutalist,” “Anora,” “The Substance” and “Emilia Pérez” — coupled with some impressive box office figures that look only set to grow — this year’s race has highlighted the desire of cinemagoers for bold, director-driven, out-of-the-ordinary fare.
“When you look at ‘Emilia Pérez’ and ‘I’m Still Here’ and ‘The Substance,’ those films are unique, they told some of the best stories and bring a unique perspective on something,” said Scott Shooman, head of AMC Networks’ Film Group which encompasses IFC Films.
For Shooman, the EFM is exactly the place where international buyers respond to these types of packages — led by creatively minded directors.
With a lineup of Oscar frontrunners that includes “The Brutalist,” “Anora,” “The Substance” and “Emilia Pérez” — coupled with some impressive box office figures that look only set to grow — this year’s race has highlighted the desire of cinemagoers for bold, director-driven, out-of-the-ordinary fare.
“When you look at ‘Emilia Pérez’ and ‘I’m Still Here’ and ‘The Substance,’ those films are unique, they told some of the best stories and bring a unique perspective on something,” said Scott Shooman, head of AMC Networks’ Film Group which encompasses IFC Films.
For Shooman, the EFM is exactly the place where international buyers respond to these types of packages — led by creatively minded directors.
- 2/13/2025
- by Alex Ritman and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV

“Wicked,” “A Complete Unknown,” “Emilia Pérez” and “Conclave” were among the winners Wednesday at the 40th Annual Artios Awards, which celebrates excellence in casting in feature film, scripted and unscripted television, commercials and theater. The Casting Society held ceremonies in Los Angeles, New York and London.
Four Best Picture Oscar contenders won their categories at the Artios: “Wicked” (Big Budget Feature Comedy), “A Complete Unknown” (Big Budget Feature Drama), “Conclave” (Studio or Independent Feature Drama) and “Emilia Pérez”. Best Animated Feature Oscar frontrunner “The Wild Robot” picked up another trophy for its haul, while two smaller films, “My Old Ass” and “Janet Planet,” were recognized as well.
On the TV side, a slew of familiar titles emerged victorious: “Shōgun” (Television Pilot and First Season: Drama), “Baby Reindeer” (Limited Series), “Hacks” (Television Series: Comedy) and “Slow Horses” (Television Series: Drama).
Five-time Tony-winning play “Stereophonic” won for Broadway comedy or drama, while...
Four Best Picture Oscar contenders won their categories at the Artios: “Wicked” (Big Budget Feature Comedy), “A Complete Unknown” (Big Budget Feature Drama), “Conclave” (Studio or Independent Feature Drama) and “Emilia Pérez”. Best Animated Feature Oscar frontrunner “The Wild Robot” picked up another trophy for its haul, while two smaller films, “My Old Ass” and “Janet Planet,” were recognized as well.
On the TV side, a slew of familiar titles emerged victorious: “Shōgun” (Television Pilot and First Season: Drama), “Baby Reindeer” (Limited Series), “Hacks” (Television Series: Comedy) and “Slow Horses” (Television Series: Drama).
Five-time Tony-winning play “Stereophonic” won for Broadway comedy or drama, while...
- 2/13/2025
- by Missy Schwartz
- The Wrap

A viewing of Emilia Pérez, the musical crime thriller nominated for 13 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, is something like a fever dream of dialogue, drama, song, and dance. And perhaps no scene captures the hallucinatory excitement quite like one featuring Zoe Saldaña — who plays Rita, a hard-working lawyer with a unique assignment — performing her signature song from the film’s score, “El Mal,” which received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.
Directed by Jacques Audiard, with all songs written by French duo Clément Ducol and Camille, the film centers on a Mexican cartel leader’s search for self and handles its musical moments with a technicolor, operatic theatricality — the perfect context for Saldaña, who trained as a dancer before becoming an actor. “The origin of Emilia Pérez lies in the desire for an opera,” explains Audiard of the genre-bending epic. “The hazards of life eventually led me...
Directed by Jacques Audiard, with all songs written by French duo Clément Ducol and Camille, the film centers on a Mexican cartel leader’s search for self and handles its musical moments with a technicolor, operatic theatricality — the perfect context for Saldaña, who trained as a dancer before becoming an actor. “The origin of Emilia Pérez lies in the desire for an opera,” explains Audiard of the genre-bending epic. “The hazards of life eventually led me...
- 2/12/2025
- by Alex Frank
- Tudum - Netflix

On the surface, last weekend’s two-day, three-show sweep for “Anora” appeared an unlikely surge for a film that had been losing momentum as an Oscar favorite.
In reality, though, what happened is probably less of a case of “Anora” rallying than it is a simple matter of Oscar watchers learning more about what voters have probably been thinking all along.
The lesson began on Friday evening at about 6:55 p.m. With one award left to go at the Critics Choice Awards, “Anora” seemed to be about fourth or fifth on the list of likely Best Picture winners. It had gone 0-for-5 at the Golden Globes in early January and had gone 0-for-6 with Critics Choice voters going into the final award of the night – and not only had “Wicked” director Jon M. Chu just won the Best Director award in an upset that gave one of the top...
In reality, though, what happened is probably less of a case of “Anora” rallying than it is a simple matter of Oscar watchers learning more about what voters have probably been thinking all along.
The lesson began on Friday evening at about 6:55 p.m. With one award left to go at the Critics Choice Awards, “Anora” seemed to be about fourth or fifth on the list of likely Best Picture winners. It had gone 0-for-5 at the Golden Globes in early January and had gone 0-for-6 with Critics Choice voters going into the final award of the night – and not only had “Wicked” director Jon M. Chu just won the Best Director award in an upset that gave one of the top...
- 2/12/2025
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap


Gold Derby has been asking AI bots to predict the Oscars all throughout this season, and some of their choices have been, shall we say, curious. First, Gemini was convinced that Joker: Folie à Deux and its stars, Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, would all be nominees. Now, Meta’s AI has declared that controversy-prone Best Actress contender Karla Sofía Gascón is a “strong contender” to win the Oscar next month.
Gascón’s offensive social media posts about such topics as Muslims, George Floyd, and diversity at the Oscars were unearthed two weeks ago, causing the Emilia Pérez awards campaign to be derailed. As a result, she won’t be attending many of this season’s awards events, and she has issued a vow of “silence” to let her musical movie speak for itself.
She made history as the first openly transgender person ever nominated in Best Actress, and now...
Gascón’s offensive social media posts about such topics as Muslims, George Floyd, and diversity at the Oscars were unearthed two weeks ago, causing the Emilia Pérez awards campaign to be derailed. As a result, she won’t be attending many of this season’s awards events, and she has issued a vow of “silence” to let her musical movie speak for itself.
She made history as the first openly transgender person ever nominated in Best Actress, and now...
- 2/11/2025
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby

“Better Man,” the Robbie Williams biopic, emerged as the leading winner at the 14th Aacta International Awards, securing both best film and best direction for Australian filmmaker Michael Gracey.
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts’ celebration of global screen excellence saw the film add to its impressive nine-award sweep at the domestic Aacta Awards.
Zoe Saldaña continued her awards season momentum, taking home best supporting actress for “Emilia Pérez,” following her recent Golden Globe win. Nicole Kidman claimed her fourth Aacta International Award, winning best lead actress for “Babygirl.”
Guy Pearce strengthened his Oscar campaign with a best supporting actor win for “The Brutalist,” while Ralph Fiennes took home best lead actor for his commanding performance in “Conclave.” Jesse Eisenberg’s “A Real Pain” secured the best screenplay award, building momentum for its Oscar campaign.
In television, “Shōgun” claimed best drama series, while “The Bear” was named best comedy series.
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts’ celebration of global screen excellence saw the film add to its impressive nine-award sweep at the domestic Aacta Awards.
Zoe Saldaña continued her awards season momentum, taking home best supporting actress for “Emilia Pérez,” following her recent Golden Globe win. Nicole Kidman claimed her fourth Aacta International Award, winning best lead actress for “Babygirl.”
Guy Pearce strengthened his Oscar campaign with a best supporting actor win for “The Brutalist,” while Ralph Fiennes took home best lead actor for his commanding performance in “Conclave.” Jesse Eisenberg’s “A Real Pain” secured the best screenplay award, building momentum for its Oscar campaign.
In television, “Shōgun” claimed best drama series, while “The Bear” was named best comedy series.
- 2/11/2025
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV

The final Oscar voting period has begun, and the year of multiple contenders has finally found its frontrunner.
For months, Hollywood has searched for its strongest best picture candidate. Now, with a sweep at the Critics Choice, Directors Guild of America and Producers Guild of America awards, Sean Baker’s “Anora” has emerged as the film to beat. The one-two punch of a DGA and PGA win has historically been a strong indicator of Oscar success. Since the co-existence of both guilds in 1994, only six films have lost best picture at the Oscars after securing both prizes: “Apollo 13” (1995), “Saving Private Ryan” (1998), “Brokeback Mountain” (2005), “Gravity” (2013), “La La Land” (2016) and “1917” (2019).
The $6 million indie about an outer-borough sex worker has stood out in a field of blockbusters, biopics and musicals. It’s one of only two Oscar nominees with a perfect precursor record, earning nominations from every major guild and securing key Oscar nods.
For months, Hollywood has searched for its strongest best picture candidate. Now, with a sweep at the Critics Choice, Directors Guild of America and Producers Guild of America awards, Sean Baker’s “Anora” has emerged as the film to beat. The one-two punch of a DGA and PGA win has historically been a strong indicator of Oscar success. Since the co-existence of both guilds in 1994, only six films have lost best picture at the Oscars after securing both prizes: “Apollo 13” (1995), “Saving Private Ryan” (1998), “Brokeback Mountain” (2005), “Gravity” (2013), “La La Land” (2016) and “1917” (2019).
The $6 million indie about an outer-borough sex worker has stood out in a field of blockbusters, biopics and musicals. It’s one of only two Oscar nominees with a perfect precursor record, earning nominations from every major guild and securing key Oscar nods.
- 2/11/2025
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV


“My goal is to create an experience. Music is closer to filmmaking than any other art. It transcends culture. Filmmaking is a language in itself. Images are a language, they are not foreign,” states Gints Zilbalodis, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker whose Flow is up for Best Animated Feature and Best International Feature at Oscars. He joined an international directors panel at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival with three other auteurs whose films are nominated in the international race: Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez), Mohammad Rasoulof (The Seed of the Sacred Fig), and Walter Salles (I’m Still Here). It was moderated by Roger Durling.
On Flow, Zilbalodis “didn’t want the camerawork to feel constructed but rather based in discovery. I’m not interested in manufacturing emotion,” and Salles had a similar approach to his real-life heroine Eunice Paiva in I’m Still Here, who is “inspiring” for how she “can confront this...
On Flow, Zilbalodis “didn’t want the camerawork to feel constructed but rather based in discovery. I’m not interested in manufacturing emotion,” and Salles had a similar approach to his real-life heroine Eunice Paiva in I’m Still Here, who is “inspiring” for how she “can confront this...
- 2/11/2025
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby


Actress Selena Gomez is making waves in Hollywood with her Spanish-language film “Emilia Pérez,” which has received 13 Oscar nominations. At the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Gomez sparked conversation about potentially leaving her music career to focus on acting.
During an interview with moderator Dave Karger, the 32-year-old artist suggested she might step away from music. “It’s going to be very hard for me to ever go back to music after this,” Gomez said, though she softened her statement with a contemplative “Maybe” when pressed about the finality of her decision.
The film’s success comes with significant challenges. “Emilia Pérez” has drawn criticism for its portrayal of Mexico and transgender identity. Additional controversy surrounds co-star Karla Sofía Gascón, whose past social media posts contained problematic language.
Despite the challenges, Gomez remains positive. “Some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done,...
During an interview with moderator Dave Karger, the 32-year-old artist suggested she might step away from music. “It’s going to be very hard for me to ever go back to music after this,” Gomez said, though she softened her statement with a contemplative “Maybe” when pressed about the finality of her decision.
The film’s success comes with significant challenges. “Emilia Pérez” has drawn criticism for its portrayal of Mexico and transgender identity. Additional controversy surrounds co-star Karla Sofía Gascón, whose past social media posts contained problematic language.
Despite the challenges, Gomez remains positive. “Some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done,...
- 2/11/2025
- by Naser Nahandian
- Gazettely

Selena Gomez has long been celebrated as a proud Latina voice in Hollywood, using her platform to advocate for representation and diversity. However, even the singer and actress can’t escape the ongoing Emilia Pérez controversy, given how she has continued to defend the film despite everything.
Credit: Karla Sofía Gascón in Emilia Pérez / Pathé
The controversy that started after the film was released and intensified after the lead star, Karla Sofía Gascón’s old tweets resurfaced has ballooned into a huge issue for the film, ruining its Oscar campaign. Yet, Gomez does not regret the film, leaving many questioning the sincerity of her stance when it comes to Latina pride.
Selena Gomez opens up about Emilia Pérez controversy Credits: Selena Gomez in Emilia Pérez / Netflix
The French musical crime film Emilia Pérez premiered with rave and largely positive reviews, earning praise for all of its cast members. However, in Mexico and elsewhere,...
Credit: Karla Sofía Gascón in Emilia Pérez / Pathé
The controversy that started after the film was released and intensified after the lead star, Karla Sofía Gascón’s old tweets resurfaced has ballooned into a huge issue for the film, ruining its Oscar campaign. Yet, Gomez does not regret the film, leaving many questioning the sincerity of her stance when it comes to Latina pride.
Selena Gomez opens up about Emilia Pérez controversy Credits: Selena Gomez in Emilia Pérez / Netflix
The French musical crime film Emilia Pérez premiered with rave and largely positive reviews, earning praise for all of its cast members. However, in Mexico and elsewhere,...
- 2/11/2025
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire


Barry Keoghan and Riley Keough are in talks to join an exciting new project!
The Saltburn star and the Daisy Jones & The Six actress are reportedly up for roles in a film called Butterfly Jam, per Variety.
Keep reading to find out more…
“[A] tight-knit U.S. community of Circassian immigrants and a complicated relationship between a father and son, in which the son imbues his father with qualities he doesn’t actually possess,” the plot summary for Butterfly Jam reads.
Butterfly Jam will be the first English-language feature by Russian director Kantemir Balagov, who directed the 2019 drama Beanpole. It will be produced by Why Not Productions, which produced the Oscar-nominated film Emilia Perez.
As for Riley‘s other projects, she is currently set to star in a sci-fi comedy Alpha Gang. Meanwhile, Barry has a role in the thriller Bring Them Down, which hit theaters February 7.
The Saltburn star and the Daisy Jones & The Six actress are reportedly up for roles in a film called Butterfly Jam, per Variety.
Keep reading to find out more…
“[A] tight-knit U.S. community of Circassian immigrants and a complicated relationship between a father and son, in which the son imbues his father with qualities he doesn’t actually possess,” the plot summary for Butterfly Jam reads.
Butterfly Jam will be the first English-language feature by Russian director Kantemir Balagov, who directed the 2019 drama Beanpole. It will be produced by Why Not Productions, which produced the Oscar-nominated film Emilia Perez.
As for Riley‘s other projects, she is currently set to star in a sci-fi comedy Alpha Gang. Meanwhile, Barry has a role in the thriller Bring Them Down, which hit theaters February 7.
- 2/10/2025
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared


Selena Gomez: “Part of the Magic Has Faded” After ‘Emilia Pérez’ Controversy, But She Has No Regrets: “I’d Make This Film Over and Over Again” Xmag UK Xmag Editorial
Selena Gomez reflects on the Emilia Pérez controversy, admitting that “part of the magic has faded,” but she…
The post Selena Gomez: “Part of the Magic Has Faded” After ‘Emilia Pérez’ Controversy, But She Has No Regrets: “I’d Make This Film Over and Over Again” first appeared on Xmag UK.
Selena Gomez reflects on the Emilia Pérez controversy, admitting that “part of the magic has faded,” but she…
The post Selena Gomez: “Part of the Magic Has Faded” After ‘Emilia Pérez’ Controversy, But She Has No Regrets: “I’d Make This Film Over and Over Again” first appeared on Xmag UK.
- 2/10/2025
- by Xmag Editorial
- XMAG


A.I. controversies aside, this awards season was relatively free of drama initially. Well, at least until some tasteless and racist social media posts from “Emilia Pérez,” Best Supporting Actress contender Karla Sofía Gascón, were dug up and went viral. We’ve already heard a full-throated critical clapback from director Jacques Audiard, where he wanted to make it clear he was upset with her bigoted and hateful comments, and Netflix, the studio behind the Oscar contender, is apparently distancing themselves as far away from Gascón as much as they can.
Continue reading Selena Gomez Takes High Road In Wake Of ‘Emilia Pérez’ Awards Campaign Drama: “I Would Do This Movie Over & Over Again” at The Playlist.
Continue reading Selena Gomez Takes High Road In Wake Of ‘Emilia Pérez’ Awards Campaign Drama: “I Would Do This Movie Over & Over Again” at The Playlist.
- 2/10/2025
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist

Though she did not get into specifics, “Emilia Pérez” star Selena Gomez made her first public statement about recent controversies, including Karla Sofía Gascón‘s offensive past social media remarks, while at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Asked by moderator and Turner Classic Movies host Dave Karger during the Virtuosos panel how she was doing right now with the film under such public scrutiny, the BAFTA Award-nominated actress said, “I’m really good. Some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done, and I’m just grateful. I live with no regrets, and I would do this movie over and over again if I could.”
Gascón was meant to be feted alongside her at the event honoring the biggest breakout performances of the year, but dropped out after her tweets scandal. With previously announced honorees “Babygirl” star Harris Dickinson...
Asked by moderator and Turner Classic Movies host Dave Karger during the Virtuosos panel how she was doing right now with the film under such public scrutiny, the BAFTA Award-nominated actress said, “I’m really good. Some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done, and I’m just grateful. I live with no regrets, and I would do this movie over and over again if I could.”
Gascón was meant to be feted alongside her at the event honoring the biggest breakout performances of the year, but dropped out after her tweets scandal. With previously announced honorees “Babygirl” star Harris Dickinson...
- 2/10/2025
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire

Selena Gomez was supposed to receive her Virtuoso Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival alongside “Emilia Pérez” co-star Karla Sofía Gascón on Sunday. But instead, she was left solo to stand behind their film amid its continued fallout.
Best Actress nominee Gascón removed herself from the Oscar campaign trail this past week after racist tweets of hers resurfaced — and after director Jacques Audiard and Best Supporting Actress nominee Zoe Saldaña publicly distanced themselves from her. However, while Gomez acknowledged the difficulties associated with the fallout on-stage this weekend, she made sure to show her love for the Netflix musical.
“I’m really good. Some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done,” she shared. “I’m just grateful and live with no regrets and I would do this movie over and over again if I could.”
“Just having...
Best Actress nominee Gascón removed herself from the Oscar campaign trail this past week after racist tweets of hers resurfaced — and after director Jacques Audiard and Best Supporting Actress nominee Zoe Saldaña publicly distanced themselves from her. However, while Gomez acknowledged the difficulties associated with the fallout on-stage this weekend, she made sure to show her love for the Netflix musical.
“I’m really good. Some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done,” she shared. “I’m just grateful and live with no regrets and I would do this movie over and over again if I could.”
“Just having...
- 2/10/2025
- by JD Knapp
- The Wrap

Selena Gomez got candid about the recent controversy surrounding her Oscar-nominated movie, “Emilia Pérez,” while speaking at the Santa Barbara Film Festival on Sunday.
The film — which has the most nominations going into the Oscars this year — has experienced a fall from grace since tweets resurfaced in late January from its lead, Karla Sofía Gascón, expressing controversial views on Muslims, George Floyd and diversity at the Oscars. As a result, Netflix has distanced itself from Gascón and is no longer financially supporting her on the awards trail.
“Some of the magic has disappeared,” Gomez said of the controversy at Santa Barbara Film Festival, where she received the Virtuosos Award. “But I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done and I’m just grateful. I live with no regrets, and I would do this movie over and over again if I could.”
Gomez was even the subject of a tweet from Gascón,...
The film — which has the most nominations going into the Oscars this year — has experienced a fall from grace since tweets resurfaced in late January from its lead, Karla Sofía Gascón, expressing controversial views on Muslims, George Floyd and diversity at the Oscars. As a result, Netflix has distanced itself from Gascón and is no longer financially supporting her on the awards trail.
“Some of the magic has disappeared,” Gomez said of the controversy at Santa Barbara Film Festival, where she received the Virtuosos Award. “But I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done and I’m just grateful. I live with no regrets, and I would do this movie over and over again if I could.”
Gomez was even the subject of a tweet from Gascón,...
- 2/10/2025
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV


Selena Gomez has responded to the furor that has surrounded her Emilia Pérez co-star Karla Sofía Gascón in recent weeks. Speaking at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Sunday night, the actress was asked how she is in light of the controversy.
“I’m really good,” Gomez replied (via the Hollywood Reporter). “Some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done, and I’m just grateful and I live with no regrets. I would do this movie over and over again if I could.
“I’m really good,” Gomez replied (via the Hollywood Reporter). “Some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done, and I’m just grateful and I live with no regrets. I would do this movie over and over again if I could.
- 2/10/2025
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com


Selena Gomez addressed the racism controversy that has engulfed her Oscar-nominated Emilia Pérez co-star Karla Sofia Gascón in recent weeks, revealing that she has “no regrets” about being involved in the production.
Speaking at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Sunday night, Gomez was asked by a moderator how she was doing given the chaos surrounding Emilia Pérez‘s spluttering Academy Awards campaign. “I’m really good,” Gomez replied. “Some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done, and I’m just, I’m just grateful and live with no regrets.”
Gomez added with emphasis, “And I would do this movie over and over again if I could.”
Her reply brought applause from the crowd.
Selena Gomez shares how she’s feeling following the backlash to #EmiliaPerez star Karla Sofia Gascon at #SBIFF2025 pic.twitter.com/GrjVMAQKTI
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 10, 2025
Gascón,...
Speaking at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Sunday night, Gomez was asked by a moderator how she was doing given the chaos surrounding Emilia Pérez‘s spluttering Academy Awards campaign. “I’m really good,” Gomez replied. “Some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done, and I’m just, I’m just grateful and live with no regrets.”
Gomez added with emphasis, “And I would do this movie over and over again if I could.”
Her reply brought applause from the crowd.
Selena Gomez shares how she’s feeling following the backlash to #EmiliaPerez star Karla Sofia Gascon at #SBIFF2025 pic.twitter.com/GrjVMAQKTI
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 10, 2025
Gascón,...
- 2/10/2025
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News


by Nathaniel R
Pierre Niney as "The Count of Monte Cristo" © Pathe
Since we've always loved French cinema, we follow along with the César Awards each year. Historical adventure The Count of Monte Cristo leads the pack with an astounding 14 nominations. Curiously the second most nominated film, Beating Hearts (13 nods) a romantic drama spanning 20 years, is Not up for Best Film. It premiered at Cannes to some negative reviews before an October theatrical release. Among the nomination leaders the Oscar-bound trans cartel musical Emilia Pérez (12 nominations) came in third.
Let's look at the fields and discuss and jot down which films we'll have to watch out for in 2025 as they make their way across the ocean...
Pierre Niney as "The Count of Monte Cristo" © Pathe
Since we've always loved French cinema, we follow along with the César Awards each year. Historical adventure The Count of Monte Cristo leads the pack with an astounding 14 nominations. Curiously the second most nominated film, Beating Hearts (13 nods) a romantic drama spanning 20 years, is Not up for Best Film. It premiered at Cannes to some negative reviews before an October theatrical release. Among the nomination leaders the Oscar-bound trans cartel musical Emilia Pérez (12 nominations) came in third.
Let's look at the fields and discuss and jot down which films we'll have to watch out for in 2025 as they make their way across the ocean...
- 2/10/2025
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience

The 40th Santa Barbara Film Festival held their International Directors Panel on Sunday, February 9. Directors Gints Zilbalodis (“Flow”), Walter Salles (“I’m Still Here”), Mohammad Rasoulof (“The Seed of the Sacred Fig”), and Jacques Audiard (“Emilia Pérez”) joined festival Director Roger Durling for a wide ranging Q&a at the Arlington Theater.
Coming off a contentious last couple weeks for his film’s awards campaign, Audiard had a more light-hearted opportunity to reflect on his Best Picture nominee. Durling highlighted the director’s history with portraying music onscreen throughout his career. Audiard responded by noting how his “natural masochism” influences him to make films in languages he doesn’t speak or understand.
“It’s incredible because the only memory I actually have of really articulating music and opera in my work was for my second feature, ‘A Self-Made Hero,'” Audiard said. “At that time, I had thought of making a...
Coming off a contentious last couple weeks for his film’s awards campaign, Audiard had a more light-hearted opportunity to reflect on his Best Picture nominee. Durling highlighted the director’s history with portraying music onscreen throughout his career. Audiard responded by noting how his “natural masochism” influences him to make films in languages he doesn’t speak or understand.
“It’s incredible because the only memory I actually have of really articulating music and opera in my work was for my second feature, ‘A Self-Made Hero,'” Audiard said. “At that time, I had thought of making a...
- 2/9/2025
- by Vincent Perella
- Indiewire


Heading into the weekend, it had been several years since the Best Picture race had been this crowded and fraught. As late as Saturday morning, a solid argument could have been made for six of the 10 Best Picture nominees to win at the 97th Oscars on March 2: Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Emilia Pérez, and Wicked. But after Anora pulled off upset wins at both the Producers Guild and Directors Guild Awards (not to mention its win at the Critics Choice Awards), it stands as the clear frontrunner in the race as final Oscar winner voting is set to begin on Feb. 11. But is the race over, and, if not, which contender is well-positioned to take Anora down? Here’s our analysis of the Oscars Best Picture race (updated on Feb. 9).
Frontrunner: Anora
The movie that once looked like a spoiler in the race – the designation we...
Frontrunner: Anora
The movie that once looked like a spoiler in the race – the designation we...
- 2/9/2025
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby


The Spanish film “Emilia Pérez” won Best European Film at the Goya Awards on Saturday, despite ongoing controversy surrounding its lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón’s past social media posts.
Gascón, who made history as the first openly transgender woman nominated for an Oscar in the best actress category, is facing significant professional backlash after offensive social media comments surfaced. The posts contained racist and Islamophobic remarks about George Floyd, China, and Islam, leading to her publisher cutting ties and Netflix reportedly removing her from promotional materials.
The film’s success has been overshadowed by these revelations. Despite accumulating multiple prestigious awards, including four Golden Globes and 13 Oscar nominations, the controversy has raised questions about accountability in the film industry.
Prominent Spanish director Ja Bayona expressed mixed feelings about the situation. “Everything happening around ‘Emilia Pérez’ saddens me because there’s a great film behind all this,” he said. While calling Gascón’s posts “inexcusable,...
Gascón, who made history as the first openly transgender woman nominated for an Oscar in the best actress category, is facing significant professional backlash after offensive social media comments surfaced. The posts contained racist and Islamophobic remarks about George Floyd, China, and Islam, leading to her publisher cutting ties and Netflix reportedly removing her from promotional materials.
The film’s success has been overshadowed by these revelations. Despite accumulating multiple prestigious awards, including four Golden Globes and 13 Oscar nominations, the controversy has raised questions about accountability in the film industry.
Prominent Spanish director Ja Bayona expressed mixed feelings about the situation. “Everything happening around ‘Emilia Pérez’ saddens me because there’s a great film behind all this,” he said. While calling Gascón’s posts “inexcusable,...
- 2/9/2025
- by Naser Nahandian
- Gazettely


For a while there the Best Picture race was wide open. But now that both the Directors Guild of America and the Producers Guild of America have agreed on one film, it’s looking like the image is starting to come together for the Academy Awards. And that film is Anora, as director Sean Baker took home the DGA Award for Best Director and the film itself won the top prize from the PGA.
First-time DGA nominee Sean Baker would beat out The Brutalist’s Brady Corbet, A Complete Unknown’s James Mangold, Conclave’s Edward Berger, and Emilia Pérez’s Jacques Audiard. As we’ve found, the Directors Guild of America has an incredible track record of predicting the Best Director Oscar winner, with less than 10 of the DGA winners not taking home the Academy Award. The most recent example was in 2019, with Sam Mendes winning for 1917 but losing...
First-time DGA nominee Sean Baker would beat out The Brutalist’s Brady Corbet, A Complete Unknown’s James Mangold, Conclave’s Edward Berger, and Emilia Pérez’s Jacques Audiard. As we’ve found, the Directors Guild of America has an incredible track record of predicting the Best Director Oscar winner, with less than 10 of the DGA winners not taking home the Academy Award. The most recent example was in 2019, with Sam Mendes winning for 1917 but losing...
- 2/9/2025
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com


The Producers Guild of America named Anora the best picture of the year at the 2025 PGA Awards. The surprise win came just an hour after director Sean Baker took home the DGA’s top prize — establishing the Neon film as the official Oscars frontrunner for Best Picture. Anora also won Best Picture at last night’s Critics Choice Awards.
Anora defeated fellow Oscar nominees The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, The Substance, and Wicked — as well as non-Oscar nominees A Real Pain and September 5. The two Oscar nominees that missed out on PGA noms were I’m Still Here and Nickel Boys.
Since 2009, both the PGA and the Academy Awards have selected their Best Picture with ranked-choice voting, aka the preferential ballot. Since the two groups aligned their voting procedure, the PGA has been one of the most reliable Oscar predictors, forecasting 13 of 16 Oscar champs including...
Anora defeated fellow Oscar nominees The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, The Substance, and Wicked — as well as non-Oscar nominees A Real Pain and September 5. The two Oscar nominees that missed out on PGA noms were I’m Still Here and Nickel Boys.
Since 2009, both the PGA and the Academy Awards have selected their Best Picture with ranked-choice voting, aka the preferential ballot. Since the two groups aligned their voting procedure, the PGA has been one of the most reliable Oscar predictors, forecasting 13 of 16 Oscar champs including...
- 2/9/2025
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby

The Producers Guild of America Awards brought some clarity for the upcoming Oscars race as “Anora” took the evening’s top prize after it also won the top DGA prize for director Sean Baker just a few moments earlier as well as the Critics Choice award on Friday.
DreamWorks’ “The Wild Robot” gained momentum by earning the PGA animated film prize, while “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” which missed out on the Academy Awards shortlist, took home the PGA prize for Outstanding Producer of Documentary Motion Picture.
On the television side, “Hacks” followed up its strong showing from Friday’s Critics Choice Awards, landing the Danny Thomas Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television – Comedy. Meanwhile, Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” landed the David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Limited or Anthology Series Television. Other TV winners include “Saturday Night Live” in the Live Entertainment, Variety, Sketch, Standup & Talk...
DreamWorks’ “The Wild Robot” gained momentum by earning the PGA animated film prize, while “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” which missed out on the Academy Awards shortlist, took home the PGA prize for Outstanding Producer of Documentary Motion Picture.
On the television side, “Hacks” followed up its strong showing from Friday’s Critics Choice Awards, landing the Danny Thomas Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television – Comedy. Meanwhile, Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” landed the David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Limited or Anthology Series Television. Other TV winners include “Saturday Night Live” in the Live Entertainment, Variety, Sketch, Standup & Talk...
- 2/9/2025
- by Katcy Stephan and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV

Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón was, as expected, not in attendance at this evening’s Goya Awards in Spain, but was clearly on the minds of some folks who were. When accepting the Goya for Best European Film (the only prize for which Emilia Pérez was nominated), representatives from the movie’s Spanish distributors gave a shoutout to the actress which was met with cheers and applause from the audience at the ceremony in Granada. “In the face of hatred and ridicule,” the distributors called for “more cinema, more culture.”
Earlier, on the sidelines of the ceremony, Spanish filmmaker Juan Antonio Bayona, who was a member of last May’s Cannes jury which awarded the Best Actress prize to the film’s four female leads, including Gascón, commented, “Everything that is happening with Emilia Pérez makes me sad because there is a great film behind it.”
He was referring...
Earlier, on the sidelines of the ceremony, Spanish filmmaker Juan Antonio Bayona, who was a member of last May’s Cannes jury which awarded the Best Actress prize to the film’s four female leads, including Gascón, commented, “Everything that is happening with Emilia Pérez makes me sad because there is a great film behind it.”
He was referring...
- 2/9/2025
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV

The nominations for the 97th Academy Awards have been announced, but do you still feel like you need to play catch up?
This year’s Oscar nominees run the gamut, including heartfelt musicals and gory body horrors. “Emilia Pérez” led all nominees for this year’s ceremony with 13, following behind were “Wicked” and “The Brutalist” both with 10 nominations.
Several nominees have special recognitions, including Karla Sofía Gascón as the first openly trans actor nominated, “Conclave” supporting actress Isabella Rossellini earning a nomination 46 years her mother did, Demi Moore’s first nomination after four decades in the business and Timothée Chalamet becoming the youngest two-time Oscar nominee since James Dean.
Read the full list of where to watch all of the 2025 Oscar movies.
Searchlight Pictures A Complete Unknown
The Bob Dylan origin story earned eight nominations, including Best Picture, directing for James Mangold, leading actor for Timothee Chalamet, supporting actor for Edward Norton,...
This year’s Oscar nominees run the gamut, including heartfelt musicals and gory body horrors. “Emilia Pérez” led all nominees for this year’s ceremony with 13, following behind were “Wicked” and “The Brutalist” both with 10 nominations.
Several nominees have special recognitions, including Karla Sofía Gascón as the first openly trans actor nominated, “Conclave” supporting actress Isabella Rossellini earning a nomination 46 years her mother did, Demi Moore’s first nomination after four decades in the business and Timothée Chalamet becoming the youngest two-time Oscar nominee since James Dean.
Read the full list of where to watch all of the 2025 Oscar movies.
Searchlight Pictures A Complete Unknown
The Bob Dylan origin story earned eight nominations, including Best Picture, directing for James Mangold, leading actor for Timothee Chalamet, supporting actor for Edward Norton,...
- 2/8/2025
- by Tess Patton
- The Wrap

The Critics Choice Awards (February 7 on the The CW) were all over the place. When it comes to reading the Oscar tea leaves, these 600 film and TV writers from all over the world are often predictive. But this year’s delayed show spread the love around a wide group of films. And, more importantly, the journalists voted back in December, before Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez” revelations changed some viewers’ perception of the film.
Looking at the CCAs, as well as the upcoming DGA and PGA Awards, is like peering into a time machine. That’s how swiftly things can change at the Oscars.
Critics groups add momentum to the winners more than anything else. Not winning isn’t harmful, it just doesn’t give a contender like “A Complete Unknown” a boost. “Anora” (Neon) won just one prize, but it was the one you want: Best Film, and writer-director Sean Baker...
Looking at the CCAs, as well as the upcoming DGA and PGA Awards, is like peering into a time machine. That’s how swiftly things can change at the Oscars.
Critics groups add momentum to the winners more than anything else. Not winning isn’t harmful, it just doesn’t give a contender like “A Complete Unknown” a boost. “Anora” (Neon) won just one prize, but it was the one you want: Best Film, and writer-director Sean Baker...
- 2/8/2025
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire

Diane Warren has never won an Oscar. But she has a lot of nominations.
The songwriter is up for her 16th nod in the original song category for “The Journey” from Tyler Perry’s Netflix movie “The Six Triple Eight” performed by H.E.R. And while she does have an honorary Oscar, which the Academy awarded her in 2022, she has yet to land a competitive one.
Of course, she would like that to finally, at long last, happen: “Yes, I would like to break my decades-long tradition and win.”
Could this finally be her year?
Warren’s song is up against two songs from “Emilia Pérez,” “El Mal” and “Mi Camino,” as well as “Never Too Late” from the documentary “Elton John: Never Too Late” and “Like a Bird” from A24’s prison drama “Sing Sing.”
“The Six Triple Eight” producer Keri Selig was the one who pitched Warren on the...
The songwriter is up for her 16th nod in the original song category for “The Journey” from Tyler Perry’s Netflix movie “The Six Triple Eight” performed by H.E.R. And while she does have an honorary Oscar, which the Academy awarded her in 2022, she has yet to land a competitive one.
Of course, she would like that to finally, at long last, happen: “Yes, I would like to break my decades-long tradition and win.”
Could this finally be her year?
Warren’s song is up against two songs from “Emilia Pérez,” “El Mal” and “Mi Camino,” as well as “Never Too Late” from the documentary “Elton John: Never Too Late” and “Like a Bird” from A24’s prison drama “Sing Sing.”
“The Six Triple Eight” producer Keri Selig was the one who pitched Warren on the...
- 2/8/2025
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV

Reading Time: 4 minutes
It’s awards season, celebrity gossip fans.
In the wake of the Golden Globes being handed out a few weeks ago, and then the Oscar nominations being announced a short time later, the 2025 Critics Choice Awards honored the best in movies and television on Friday night.
The ceremony was hosted by Chelsea Handler.
And the stars who took home the major prizes? Scroll down for a full list of Critics Choice Awards winners…
Demi Moore accepts the Best Actress award for “The Substance” onstage during the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 7, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)
Best Picture
“A Complete Unknown”
“Anora” (Winner)
“The Brutalist”
“Conclave”
“Dune: Part Two”
“Emilia Pérez”
“Nickel Boys”
“Sing Sing”
“The Substance”
“Wicked”
Best Actor
Adrien Brody – “The Brutalist” (Winner)
Timothée Chalamet – “A Complete Unknown”
Daniel Craig – “Queer...
It’s awards season, celebrity gossip fans.
In the wake of the Golden Globes being handed out a few weeks ago, and then the Oscar nominations being announced a short time later, the 2025 Critics Choice Awards honored the best in movies and television on Friday night.
The ceremony was hosted by Chelsea Handler.
And the stars who took home the major prizes? Scroll down for a full list of Critics Choice Awards winners…
Demi Moore accepts the Best Actress award for “The Substance” onstage during the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 7, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)
Best Picture
“A Complete Unknown”
“Anora” (Winner)
“The Brutalist”
“Conclave”
“Dune: Part Two”
“Emilia Pérez”
“Nickel Boys”
“Sing Sing”
“The Substance”
“Wicked”
Best Actor
Adrien Brody – “The Brutalist” (Winner)
Timothée Chalamet – “A Complete Unknown”
Daniel Craig – “Queer...
- 2/8/2025
- by Kay D. Rhodes
- The Hollywood Gossip
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