Netflix's New Oscar Gambit: Distancing from a Star

"Emilia Pérez" got a big boost when Karla Sofía Gascón received an Oscar nod for Best Actress. Things changed when some of her old posts that were seen as racist and Islamophobic surfaced. Not anymore, the streaming giant Netflix is pulling back from supporting her at Oscar campaign events, including big ones like Critics Choice Award and Directors Guild of America Awards. Gascón was planning to go but now she won't. Netflix isn't happy. They don't want the movie or Gascón's co-stars to suffer from the fallout. Gascón is on her own now, no backing from the company or her PR team. She will have to spend her own money for everything, including travelling and appearances. This change is about more than just Gascón. It has a lot to do with the probe into the actress's social media history. In modern times, people are more aware and sensitive about controversial topics which can have an impact on Oscar voting. Netflix has been taking steps to minimize Gascón's presence in the campaign, even removing her from promotional materials. This has raised eyebrows, as the film still centers around her character. Some industry insiders think it's a risky move. Gascón is asking for a second chance. She's appealing to the Hollywood insiders. Even though they are saying they're over her and the film, some still want to remain fair. It all comes down to whether the film's quality can be appreciated without bigger concerns overshadowing it. There's more to this situation than just this scandal. The for Your Consideration advertisements for the Oscars have changed their promotion strategy to focus more on the Oscars race now. Saldaña and other co-stars are the new focal point. It’s a challenge to get the attention off Karla and onto the film but it’s only a few weeks to the ceremony. Some changes are being made to the Oscars too. There are plans to include the, "Fab 5" moments in the ceremony which are supposed to add a level of entertainment to the show. The new slate of presenters will be announced at a later date. If the situation was not there Gascón would’ve been a part of the broadcast but that is not the case. The presence of Gascón at the Oscar ceremony is a concern for the broadcasting team. There is a possibility that her presence could distract from the other nominees and the event as a whole.