Karla Sofía Gascón has just added another trailblazing accolade to her CV, becoming the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for a BAFTA Film Award. Fresh off making Golden Globes history, Gascón is now up for the Leading Actress category for her portrayal of a Mexican drug kingpin transitioning into a woman in the film Emilia Pérez.
A Landmark Nomination
BAFTA previously counted Elliot Page as a transgender nominee in the Best Actor category (Juno)—though this was before his transition. Meanwhile, Annie Wallace was nominated for a Scottish BAFTA Award in 2016 for her role in Hollyoaks. With Gascón now in the running for the prestigious BAFTA Film Awards, the ceremony is poised to make an even bigger statement on transgender representation in mainstream cinema.
A Star-Studded Competition
Gascón isn’t the only big name vying for the Leading Actress prize. She’s joined by:
- Saoirse Ronan (The Outrun)
- Demi Moore (The Substance)
- Mikey Madison (Anora)
- Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths)
- Cynthia Erivo (Wicked)
It’s certainly no small feat for Gascón to hold her own among these industry heavyweights.
Golden Globe to BAFTA: Gascón’s Meteoric Rise
Gascón’s performance in Emilia Pérez previously earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy, though she ultimately lost to Demi Moore. Still, she did share the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival—albeit in a four-way tie. Not too shabby!
Emilia Pérez Dominates BAFTA Nominations
This film is making waves all over the place. Emilia Pérez scooped a total of 11 BAFTA Film Award nominations, second only to Conclave. Co-stars Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña also nabbed nominations in the Supporting Actress category. Meanwhile, Jacques Audiard competes for Best Director, and the film is in the running for Best Film. Clearly, the critics are taking note.
When and Where?
The BAFTA Film Awards will be held on 16 February at London’s Royal Festival Hall—so mark your calendars. Hosted by David Tennant (yes, the man who can do no wrong), the event will be broadcast on BBC1 and streamed on BritBox in North America. Prepare for glitz, glamour, and at least one or two tear-jerking acceptance speeches.
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