The 2025 awards season has become contentious for Spanish actress Karla Sofía Gascón, particularly in light of her controversial past social media posts. Her campaign for recognition at the 2025 Oscars for her role in the film *Emilia Pérez* took a hit after these old posts resurfaced, leading to heavy criticism.
On March 9, 2026, Gascón made headlines once more as she addressed the fallout from remarks made by actor Timothée Chalamet, whose comments regarding the relevance of ballet and opera sparked considerable backlash within the artistic community. Ahead of the 98th Academy Awards, Gascón utilised her Instagram Stories to share her thoughts on the controversy, cleverly embedding a meme that juxtaposed the characters of Chalamet’s and her own.
Chalamet, 30, had stated during a town hall discussion with Matthew McConaughey that art forms like ballet and opera were becoming less relevant, stating, “I don’t want to be working in ballet, or opera, or things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though, like, no one cares about this anymore.'” Although he acknowledged that his remarks might come off as dismissive, the comments drew ire from many in the creative sphere, including Gascón.
In her Instagram post, Gascón used humour to contend with Chalamet’s remarks. She reshared a meme depicting the two actors on phone calls, with a sarcastic dialogue implying concern about the red carpet at the Oscars. Gascón’s caption referenced her identity as a trans woman and quipped, “Then don’t worry about it, Tim,” signalling that Chalamet’s privilege might exempt him from the worries of awards visibility.
Gascón further expressed her affinity for ballet and opera, mentioning her admiration for ballet slippers and her repeated viewings of *The Phantom of the Opera*. Her comments served as both a defence of the arts and a subtle jab at the dismissive attitude that Chalamet displayed. The actress hinted at the enduring views held by audiences regarding her despite her intentions. She stated, “Even though no one has seen or heard me say anything, while they have both seen and heard you, people still seem to prefer believing whatever the bad guys claim I said.”
The actress’s awards campaign for *Emilia Pérez* was marred by her past offensive posts that resurfaced during a critical period. Gascón, who made history as the first openly trans person nominated for Best Actress, opted to skip the red carpet at the 2025 Oscars amid the uproar over her previous comments on sensitive topics like race and culture. Following the backlash, she deactivated her account on X and attempted to clarify her stance in various interviews.
Despite *Emilia Pérez* being one of the most nominated films in the 2025 Oscars, culminating in two wins — including for Best Original Song and Zoe Saldaña as Best Supporting Actress — Gascón was edged out for Best Actress by Anora’s Mikey Madison. This setback represented more than just an awards loss for her; it reflected the persistent scrutiny artists face in the age of social media and the evolving criteria for public acceptance and acclaim.
This year, Chalamet has been recognised with a nomination for Best Actor for his performance in *Marty Supreme*, a film that has garnered nine nominations, including Best Picture. With the Oscars set to air on March 15, 2026, the event is likely to heighten discussions around the themes of acceptance, cultural commentary, and the ongoing dialogue about the responsibility that comes with public discourse among creatives.
Returning to host the Oscars is Conan O’Brien, bringing a familiar face to the event amid a backdrop of controversy and evolving expectations. As the awards night approaches, the industry remains focused not only on celebrating cinematic achievements but also scrutinising the values and narratives transmitted through the art forms that shape society.