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CLIP FROM 'EMILIA PEREZ' GOES VIRAL AS PEOPLE QUESTION GOLDEN GLOBE WIN

  • Writer: Melissa Fleur Afshar
    Melissa Fleur Afshar
  • Jan 11
  • 2 min read

Newsweek Exclusive Feature


Controversy erupted as "Emilia Perez" won a Golden Globe instead of "Wicked," sparking debate over one particular film clip.


A clip from the film Emilia Perez, which recently swept the Golden Globes by winning four awards, including Best Musical or Comedy, has gone viral, sparking significant online controversy.


The scene, which features lead actress Zoe Saldana singing about a gender-affirming operation with a doctor, has been criticized for its perceived insensitivity to transgender individuals. The film unexpectedly triumphed over the widely acclaimed Wicked, leaving many questioning the decision.


The viral clip has ignited intense discussion on social media, with viewers deeming it not up to par with Wicked in terms of musical quality and voicing concerns over its handling of transgender themes.


In reaction to these critiques, transgender advocates have expressed their dissatisfaction with the film's portrayal, labeling it harmful and regressive.


The contentious nature of Emilia Perez's win has cast a shadow over this year's Golden Globes, which took place on January 6, raising questions about the standards and criteria applied in selecting award recipients. The film has also faced backlash in Latin America over its representation of Mexican people.


Emilia Perez, a Spanish-language French film that blends elements of comedy and musical theater, tells the story of a notorious cartel boss who undergoes a surprising transformation. The plot follows the character of Perez, portrayed by Karla Sofía Gascón, as she seeks to evade prejudice and persecution after becoming a woman through sex-reassignment surgery.


The premise, intended to be an offbeat crime comedy with musical elements, has faced backlash for trivializing and sensationalizing transgender experiences.


The controversial clip in question features Saldana's character and a doctor performing a musical number about Perez's pending operation. Critics online have condemned the scene for its perceived lack of musical and cinematographic finesse compared to Wicked, as well as its treatment of transgender themes.


The backlash has been swift and vocal, with many questioning how the film managed to secure the Golden Globe for Best Musical or Comedy at the 82nd annual ceremony.


One TikTok user, @ethanneville05, wrote: "So this won over Wicked???" Their post has been liked 22,000 times. Another user, @hugeasmammoth.films, has amassed more than 1,100 comments under their January 7 post about the divisive clip.


"This won an award?" one viewer said, while another added: "Who wrote this."


Transgender advocates have added their voices to the debate, arguing that the film perpetuates harmful falsehoods and lacks the sensitivity required.


The controversy surrounding Emilia Perez comes in stark contrast to the positive reception of Wicked.


Based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel and the hit Broadway musical, Wicked was anticipated to perform strongly at the Golden Globes. The film, celebrated for its compelling performances and intricate musical numbers, was widely tipped to succeed in the Best Musical or Comedy category.


Instead, the adaptation took home the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award during the ceremony.


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COVER IMAGE CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES


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