TryGOLD- Free

A THING OF BEAUTY
YOU South Africa|30 January 2025
With a host of awards already in the bag and praise from Hollywood's elite, Emilia Pérez is one of this season's stand-out films
- ALULUTHO GUZANA
A THING OF BEAUTY

AT A glance it seems an unlikely contender to make waves during Hollywood award season – a musical crime drama about a transgender Mexican mob boss told in Spanish with the characters occasionally breaking into song and dance.

And yet Emilia Pérez, which stars Spanish actress Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoë Saldaña and Selena Gomez, has emerged as one of the year's frontrunners.

It made history when it scored a record 10 nominations at the recent Golden Globes, eventually winning four awards: Best Supporting Actress for Zoë, Best Foreign Film, Best Theme Tune, and Best Musical or Comedy.

Now everyone is waiting to see how many more awards it rakes in – and whether those will include an Oscar.

Industry insiders have praised the film for its bold storytelling.

“It blew me away. I’ve seen it three times,” says James Cameron, director of movies such as Titanic and Avatar. “It’s not like any other film that’s ever been made. It’s bold, it’s daring. It’s a beautiful piece of filmmaking.”

Actress Emily Blunt was also in raptures after seeing it. “I just couldn’t believe what I was watching. You can’t call it a musical ... it’s a completely singular experience,” she says.

But not everyone is a fan of director Jacques Audiard’s much-talked-about movie. Online critics have lambasted it for not portraying its subject matter in an authentic light – everything from the treatment of the transgender lead character, the negative depiction of Mexico and the use of foreign actors has been drawing ire.

But Jacques isn’t fazed by the criticism. “In these troubled times, I hope Emilia Pérez will be a beacon of light,” he said during his acceptance speech at the Golden Globes.

WHAT THE MOVIE’S ABOUT

This story is from the 30 January 2025 edition of YOU South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the 30 January 2025 edition of YOU South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM YOU SOUTH AFRICAView All
MEET LITTLE EMILY-ROSE
YOU South Africa

MEET LITTLE EMILY-ROSE

Widowed rugby legend Errol Tobias has become a dad again at 74 after finding love with Ro-Andria

time-read
5 mins  |
30 January 2025
I HAVE FOUND PEACE
YOU South Africa

I HAVE FOUND PEACE

Her husband shot her in the back and changed her life forever, but a little dog has helped heal Elsanne's heart

time-read
5 mins  |
30 January 2025
STILL BREAKING OUT?
YOU South Africa

STILL BREAKING OUT?

We asked a dermatologist for advice on coping with adult acne

time-read
3 mins  |
30 January 2025
TROUBLE IN PARADISE
YOU South Africa

TROUBLE IN PARADISE

The news from the northeast sounds increasingly ominous. What is the conflict in Mozambique about - and how does it affect South Africa?

time-read
4 mins  |
30 January 2025
NO MORE MR NICEPOOL
YOU South Africa

NO MORE MR NICEPOOL

It doesn't look like the mudslinging between It Ends with Us co-stars JUSTIN BALDONI and BLAKE LIVELY is going to die down any time soon

time-read
2 mins  |
30 January 2025
OBAMA DRAMA!
YOU South Africa

OBAMA DRAMA!

Rumours are swirling that their marriage is on the rocks

time-read
4 mins  |
30 January 2025
MEDDLE POWER
YOU South Africa

MEDDLE POWER

It's no longer enough for Elon Musk to be the world's richest man - he wants to have a say in how the planet is run

time-read
4 mins  |
30 January 2025
THERE ARE NO EXCUSES
YOU South Africa

THERE ARE NO EXCUSES

This high-achieving matriculant won't let her disability get in the way of her dreams

time-read
4 mins  |
30 January 2025
SIMPLY OUTRAGEOUS
YOU South Africa

SIMPLY OUTRAGEOUS

The Jerry Springer Show changed television forever but it was also a crazy circus that was totally out of control. How do the team that made it feel about it now?

time-read
10+ mins  |
30 January 2025
How your brain 'washes' itself as you sleep
YOU South Africa

How your brain 'washes' itself as you sleep

WE ALL know how important sleep is for our well-being.

time-read
2 mins  |
30 January 2025

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies. Learn more