‘Emilia Pérez’ tops Oscar nominations : Is Hollywood Losing Its Touch?

‘Emilia Pérez’ tops Oscar nominations : Is Hollywood Losing Its Touch? Decades ago, the Oscars felt like an event worth watching. I remember sitting with my family, popcorn in hand, eagerly waiting to see the celebrities we rarely saw outside of movies. Back then, it seemed like these awards meant something—like they celebrated true artistry in filmmaking. Critics weren’t these untouchable elites. They had a sense of what everyday people loved, or at least it felt that way. Today, things couldn’t be more different.

‘Emilia Pérez’ tops Oscar nominations 

'Emilia Pérez' tops Oscar nominations 
‘Emilia Pérez’ tops Oscar nominations 

Now, the Oscars have become a spectacle of what many describe as “woke Hollywood.” It’s less about celebrating storytelling and more about checking off boxes. This year, the nomination of Amelia Perez serves as a prime example. With 13 Oscar nods, it’s being hailed as a groundbreaking movie, but many people are left scratching their heads, wondering how it even got there.


Amelia Perez: The Controversial Nomination

Let’s talk about Amelia Perez. This Spanish musical tells the story of a Mexican drug cartel leader who wants to undergo a sex change to become a woman. Sounds like a unique premise, right? Yet, for all its buzz, the movie’s actual impact is questionable.

The film was quietly released on Netflix and played in a few theaters internationally. Here in the U.S., it barely made a ripple, earning a meager $3 million at the box office. It didn’t trend on Netflix charts or create much chatter on social media. Even the critics didn’t rally behind it. It has a 33% audience score, which shows that viewers overwhelmingly disliked it. So, how does a movie that seemingly nobody watched and few enjoyed rack up 13 nominations, almost matching legendary films like Titanic or La La Land?

The answer lies in Hollywood’s growing obsession with representation and inclusivity over everything else.


A Shift in Hollywood’s Priorities

I remember the first time I truly questioned the Oscars. It was a few years ago when a little indie film swept up nominations over movies that audiences were raving about. At the time, I thought, “Maybe I just don’t get it. Maybe critics see something I don’t.” But now, it feels different. It’s not about critics appreciating nuanced storytelling—it’s about pushing an agenda.

This brings us to Carlo Sophia Gasone, the lead in Amelia Perez. Gasone is the first openly transgender actor to be nominated for an Oscar, competing in the Best Actress category. While this is a historic moment, it’s also a contentious one. Many people argue that awarding Gasone over other actresses could overshadow genuine talent and hard work in the category.

Imagine the tension in that room if Gasone wins. Hollywood has spent years advocating for female empowerment, only for a biological man to win an award meant to celebrate women’s achievements. The irony is thick.


Hollywood’s Disconnect from Audiences

One thing I’ve noticed is how out of touch Hollywood has become. Years ago, we admired celebrities because they were mysterious. We didn’t know every detail of their personal lives or how they voted. They were larger than life. Today, it feels like they’re constantly lecturing us—whether it’s about politics, climate change, or social justice.

Take Amelia Perez. It’s not just audiences who have issues with the film. Some LGBTQ+ groups criticize it for perpetuating harmful stereotypes, claiming it portrays transgender individuals as deceptive. Others, particularly in Mexico, take offense at how it depicts their country. And then there’s the fact that this Spanish-speaking musical was made by a French director who doesn’t speak Spanish and reportedly dislikes musicals. How does that work? It’s as if the filmmakers tried to tick every possible diversity box without stopping to consider if the story was authentic or respectful.


The Scene That Broke the Internet

One of the most talked-about moments from Amelia Perez involves a song about vaginoplasty. Yes, you read that right. A drug cartel boss sings about gender reassignment surgery in a scene so bizarre that clips of it have gone viral. When I first saw it, I thought it was a parody. But nope, it’s real.

The scene has sparked a lot of backlash. Critics say it’s cringeworthy at best and offensive at worst. Some argue that it trivializes serious topics for the sake of shock value. Others simply find it absurd that such a scene could exist in a film competing for 13 Oscars. It’s moments like this that make people question how far Hollywood is willing to go in the name of being “woke.”

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Why This Matters

It’s easy to dismiss this as just another awards show controversy, but the implications go deeper. The Oscars used to be a cultural touchstone. Winning an Academy Award meant you’d created something timeless—something that resonated with audiences and critics alike. Think about movies like Forrest Gump or The Godfather. These weren’t just films; they were experiences that brought people together.

Today, the Oscars feel more like a popularity contest among Hollywood elites. The focus has shifted from storytelling to social messaging. And while representation is important, it shouldn’t come at the expense of quality or authenticity.


The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just about Amelia Perez or Carlo Sophia Gasone. It’s about a broader trend in entertainment. Hollywood seems to be prioritizing performative activism over genuine artistry. They want to appear progressive, even if it means alienating their core audience.

I’ve had conversations with friends who’ve stopped watching the Oscars altogether. They say it’s because the awards no longer reflect their tastes or values. Instead of celebrating movies that resonate with people, the Oscars now feel like an inside joke that only Hollywood understands.


A Personal Reflection

Growing up, movies were my escape. I’ll never forget the first time I saw The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. It was a masterpiece, and its Oscar sweep felt well-deserved. That was a time when the Oscars still carried weight, when they felt like a celebration of excellence.

Fast forward to today, and it’s hard to muster the same excitement. The Oscars have become a reflection of Hollywood’s bubble, where the opinions of everyday viewers don’t seem to matter. It’s disheartening, especially for those of us who grew up loving movies and what they represent.


Final Thoughts

The nomination of Amelia Perez is a symptom of a larger problem. Hollywood has become so focused on sending a message that they’ve lost sight of what makes movies great. It’s not about ticking boxes or making headlines—it’s about telling stories that move us, that make us laugh, cry, or think.

If the Oscars want to regain their relevance, they need to reconnect with audiences. They need to remember that art isn’t about politics or virtue signaling—it’s about creating something meaningful. Until then, the Oscars will remain what they’ve become: a hollow shell of their former glory.


What do you think about this year’s Oscar nominations? Do you think Hollywood has lost its way, or is this just a phase? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more takes on the latest in entertainment.


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