Karla Sofia Gascon, a Spanish actress, has made history by being the first transgender woman to receive the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival.
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At 52 years old, the Madrid-native Gascon was recognized for her performance in Jacques Audiard’s musical comedy ‘Emilia Perez,’ sharing the honor on Saturday evening with her fellow female cast members.
The cast of the film, which is in Spanish, includes notable actresses such as Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz, who were absent from the festival’s final night on the French Riviera.
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In 2024, Gascón took on the title role in Jacques Audiard’s musical crime comedy film Emilia Pérez. The film premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered attention for its unique blend of genres and captivating storytelling.
In her emotional acceptance speech, Gascon dedicated the award to every transgender individual facing daily struggles with hatred, as reported by The Telegraph.
She also took a moment to address her critics, expressing that everyone has the chance to improve and become better individuals, and urging those who have caused suffering to make a change.
Greta Gerwig, the jury president, spoke about the decision to divide the best actress award among four recipients, stating that they wanted to celebrate the collective strength of women, acknowledging that while each actress is outstanding on her own, together they are extraordinary.
Gascón has graced both telenovelas and films with her presence. Notable works include her roles in El Señor de los Cielos (2013) and The Noble Family (2013).
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