The Mexican musical thriller Emilia Pérez has taken center stage this awards season with 13 Oscar nominations, but not without controversy. While the film’s achievements are impressive on paper, its reception among audiences and critics has been far from unanimous, with many labeling it as “the worst movie ever.”
Featuring a high-profile cast including Adriana Paz, Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, and Karla Sofía Gascón, the movie promised a captivating blend of drama and music. However, its execution has drawn mixed reviews, leaving fans divided and some deeply disappointed.
Social Media Backlash
The announcement of Emilia Pérez’s Oscar nominations on Thursday sparked outrage on social media. Many viewers criticized the film’s recognition, calling it undeserved and expressing disbelief that it received such high acclaim while other favorites, like Challengers, were snubbed.
“I can’t even wrap my head around Emilia Pérez getting 13 nominations!” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another added, “Quite possibly the worst movie ever to get double-digit nominations. Baffling.”
Others voiced specific concerns, with one commenter lamenting, “It breaks my heart because Zoe Saldaña absolutely deserves Academy recognition, but not for this film.”
Despite the film’s polarizing reception, Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón received individual nods for Best Supporting Actress and Best Lead Actress, respectively. However, Selena Gomez, a key member of the cast, was notably absent from the nominations, sparking further conversation about the Academy’s decision-making process.
While some praise Emilia Pérez for its bold storytelling and unique approach, its critics argue that the film fails to deliver, with both its musical elements and narrative execution coming under fire. The backlash has reignited debates over what makes a film Oscar-worthy and whether nominations should reflect critical acclaim or broader audience reception.
As Emilia Pérez continues to generate both praise and criticism, it remains a polarizing contender in this year’s awards season, underscoring the ongoing divide between industry recognition and audience sentiment.