Netflix CEO Says Company Would Work with Karla Sofía Gascón Again After 'Emilia Pérez' Scandal: 'We Have Grace'

Karla Sofía Gascón is welcome at Netflix.
Speaking with Variety for a cover story published Wednesday, March 19, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos says despite the 52-year-old actress' recent controversial Oscar campaign for Emilia Pérez and offensive remarks on social media, the company would consider working with Gascón in the future.
"You have to have some grace when people make mistakes," Sarandos said in his cover profile. "And we have grace."
As to whether the Mexico-set musical-thriller, which was directed by Jacques Audiard and starred Oscar winner Zoe Saldaña, would have taken home the Best Picture award had it not been for controversy surrounding Gascón, Sarandos can't say for sure.
'I hate that question, because it creates all of these 'What If's,'' the head of the streaming giant explained. 'It was the frontrunner, but it was never a slam dunk that Emilia Pérez — with all its innovation and thrills — would win Best Picture. It was a great movie, a great campaign, and I'm bummed."
Related: Emilia Pérez's Karla Sofía Gascón Speaks Out on Deleting X Account amid Controversy: 'I Have Been Threatened with Death'
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As Sarandos noted, Emilia Pérez was a strong awards season contender, including securing wins at the 2025 BAFTAs and 2025 Critics Choice Awards, and being the most-nominated film at the 97th Academy Awards. Gascón, who plays the titular role, is the first openly transgender star to be nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars.
Following her historic nomination, Gascón came under fire for old social media posts criticizing Muslim culture, George Floyd, diversity and more. The Spanish actress deactivated her X account and and soon after gave several statements and interviews refuting accusations of racism.
In an apologetic Feb. 6 Instagram post apparently in response to an interview where director Audiard condemned her words, Gascón wrote that she hoped her 'silence will allow the film to be appreciated for what it is, a beautiful ode to love and difference."
"I sincerely apologize to everyone who has been hurt along the way," the actress added.
When asked whether Netflix would change how it reviews the social media history of those featured in the company's projects, Sarandos explained they focus primarily on what if any controversies have made the news.
'What we're typically vetting for is mostly headlines. Did someone's social media stuff create headlines before? Then again, I'm not on Twitter, so I'm not going to come in and look at someone else's Twitter,' he told Variety.
Gascón's costar Saldaña, 46, commented on the actress' social media controversy in January, saying 'I'm still processing everything that has transpired in the last couple of days, and I'm sad."
"I don't have any tolerance for any negative rhetoric towards people of any group,' Saldaña added.
Later, the Guardians of the Galaxy actress shared she was 'disappointed' in Gascón's actions, but still 'proud' of Emilia Pérez.
'I will always be a hopeful person,' the actress added. 'I was not raised to have any negative judgment towards people of any group in any community. While being that person, I can still stand by a body of work that I can be proud of.'
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