'You tweeted...': Conan O'Brien takes jab at 'Emilia Pérez's Karla
What's the story
Karla Sofia Gascon, the first openly trans performer nominated for acting at the ongoing 97th Academy Awards, made a low-key appearance at the ceremony. Skipping the red carpet, she arrived just as the show began, quietly taking her seat in front of her Emilia Pérez co-star Selena Gomez. Dressed in a long, black beaded gown, the controversial star opted for a subdued entrance to the prestigious event.
Monologue
'You tweeted what?!': Conan O'Brien poked fun at Gascón
Gascón may have made a quiet entrance, but her mention during the ceremony was anything but. First-time host Conan O'Brien took a jab at her, saying, "I loved Anora, I really did. Little fact for you, Anora uses the 'F' word 479 times. That's three more than the record set by Karla Sofía Gascón's publicist," prompting audience groans. "You tweeted what?!" he added. Sitting in the audience, Gascón clasped her hands, blew a kiss, and mouthed, "Thank you."
Twitter Post
You cannot miss this!
Conan O’Brien: “Karla Sofía Gascón is here tonight. And Karla, if you are going to tweet about the Oscars, my name is Jimmy Kimmel” #Oscarspic.twitter.com/9ik28evXyj
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) March 3, 2025
Controversy
Gascon's attendance follows social media controversy
Gascon's Oscar appearance came after a social media storm over past racist and Islamophobic posts from her X (formerly Twitter) account. The posts were highlighted by writer-podcaster Sarah Hagi, leading to widespread backlash. Gascon then apologized, saying, "As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain."
Statement
Academy CEO addressed Gascon's controversy ahead of Oscars
Ahead of the ceremony, the Academy's CEO Bill Kramer spoke about the controversy surrounding Gascon. He stressed that while her nomination was historic, "The Academy does not condone hate speech." Kramer hoped for respect during the event, adding that "the night is about much more than one person." After death threats and backlash, Gascon had deactivated her X account and announced on Instagram that she would refrain from further interviews or social media posts to allow appreciation of the film.
Reviews
'Emilia Pérez' faced mixed reviews amidst Gascon's controversy
Despite the controversy, Emilia Pérez bagged 13 Oscar nominations. However, it received mixed reviews from LGBTQ+ advocates, who claimed it failed to authentically represent the trans community. Despite the criticism, the film won multiple awards, including the Golden Globes and BAFTAs. Gascon notably skipped other award functions, such as the SAG Awards, after Netflix dropped her from its Oscars campaign. Her Oscars appearance was one of her first public appearances since the controversy broke.