Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez” is an Oscar contender unlike any other. It’s a musical, a trans parable, and a Mexico-set melodrama, all combined into one unique amalgamation by an international filmmaking team.

Lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón has come under fire for old social media posts, the latest of several controversies facing Jacques Audiard’s movieEmilia Pérez leads this year’s Oscar nominations, with star Karla Sofía Gascón making history as the first openly transgender Best Actress nomineeBut public figures and audiences alike have criticized the Jacques Audiard movie’s depiction of trans issues and MexicoGascón has recently apologized after coming under fire for old social media posts,

Emilia Pérez is set in Mexico and tackles sensitive topics like drug trafficking, gang violence and missing persons. Critics note that someone who hasn’t lived in Mexico under such threats might not be the best person to tell such a story, and some even accused the movie of perpetuating stereotypes.

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The Academy Awards season begins with the announcement of all Oscar nominees. "Emilia Pérez" leads the pack with 13 nominations, while "Wicked" and "The Brutalist" followed. Luca Guadagnino's "Challengers" was snubbed.

Although it's set in Mexico City, French film 'Emilia Pérez' ran into a frost reception on its opening there. Critics cited stereotypes and the lack of a clear message about the narcos it portrays.