Awards season has kicked off, and with a lack of clear frontrunners and many films releasing late in the UK, the competition appears quite unpredictable. Here’s a quick overview of some films that are likely to gain significant attention and where you can watch them.
It’s been 22 years since a musical won Best Picture at the Oscars, but now two are making waves simultaneously. First up is “Emilia Perez,” a predominantly Spanish musical directed by a French filmmaker, centered on a Mexican drug lord who transitions genders, portrayed by trans actress Karla Sofia Gascon. This film has made history as the most nominated foreign-language film at the Oscars, with an impressive 13 nominations—just one shy of the all-time record. However, Gascon’s chances for Oscar recognition have been jeopardized due to the resurfacing of controversial tweets. The film also features Zoe Saldana, known for her roles in major blockbusters like “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Avatar,” who is taking a risk with this unique project. She remarked, “We understood the assignment. We felt like, OK, it’s the niche of the niche of the niche film.”
Selena Gomez, another star of the film, expressed her joy in taking on the challenge of acting in Spanish, stating, “Doing this movie has given me a little bit of a pat on the back and I felt encouraged.” While “Emilia Perez” won four Golden Globes earlier this year, including Best Motion Picture in the musical and comedy category, it has sparked controversy among some Mexican viewers who feel it perpetuates crude stereotypes. Additionally, parts of the trans community have criticized its portrayal of transitioning as regressive. The film’s reported use of AI to enhance some of Gascon’s vocal performances has also drawn attention. “Emilia Perez” is available for streaming on Netflix.
Next is “Wicked,” a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” featuring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
