Karla Sofía Gascón Reveals the Heartbreak Behind Her ‘Overwhelmingly Painful’ Oscars Season

Karla Sofía Gascón recently made headlines as the first out trans actor nominated for an Oscar. Unfortunately, her path to the ceremony wasn’t smooth. A month before the Oscars, old social media posts resurfaced, leading to intense backlash that left her feeling devastated. She described this awards season as the most exposed period of her life.

The criticism she faced was harsh. Despite her apologies, she found herself isolated from the cast and crew of her film, Emilia Pérez. Netflix distanced itself, cutting funding for her travels to various ceremonies. Her relationship with a Spanish publisher also ended, and even politicians in her home country expressed their disappointment in her.

Gascón spoke openly about the emotions she went through, saying, “Absurd and even delirious accusations were thrown at me, which deeply hurt my spirit.” The pressure built quickly, leaving her breathless at times. “Amid this unexpected storm, there were moments when the pain was so overwhelming that I contemplated the unthinkable,” she added.

Just two weeks before the Oscars, both Netflix and the film’s director, Jacques Audiard, shifted their approach. They offered to support Gascón’s expenses for the César Awards in Paris, and Audiard publicly acknowledged her during a Bafta acceptance speech, a surprising turn after his earlier comments about not wanting to speak to her.

Some believe this change in attitude was due to growing concerns over Gascón’s mental health. Publicists expressed worries about how studios managed their artists’ histories and well-being, especially those new to fame.

Emilia Pérez started the Oscars with 13 nominations but took home just two awards: supporting actress for Zoe Saldaña and best song for El Mal. During the ceremony, host Conan O’Brien made a light-hearted joke referencing Gascón, illustrating the ongoing controversy surrounding her.

Despite the chaos, Gascón found joy in the ceremony itself. She expressed gratitude for the support she received, saying she wished for a more typical experience to celebrate her nomination. “I am full of love and truly appreciate how my peers welcomed me back,” she said.

In her reflections, Gascón noted that she learned valuable lessons through this ordeal. “Hatred cannot be put down with more hatred,” she remarked. She acknowledged her past mistakes and the hurtful things she had said, explaining that these actions came from fear and pain. She apologized to those she offended and committed to growth and understanding.

Gascón’s connection to her roots is strong. She highlighted her love for Mexico, a place where she began her acting career and found a sense of belonging. She vowed to continue advocating for marginalized communities, emphasizing a commitment to empathy and understanding.

In a heartfelt conclusion, Gascón expressed her hope for a world where differences are embraced rather than condemned. She encouraged compassion and forgiveness, believing these qualities can help us all move forward. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she said, reminding us of the importance of being ourselves.

If you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources available. In the UK and Ireland, you can reach out to Samaritans at 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 988. In Australia, Lifeline can be contacted at 13 11 14. Support is there, and you don’t have to face challenges alone.

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