Oscars 2025: ‘Emilia Perez’ sets the record as the most-nominated non-English film in Oscars history
After the nominations for the 2025 Academy Awards rolled in, Emilia Perez has set the record for the most nominations given to a non-English language film in Oscars history with 13 nods.
The film, directed by French director Jacques Audiard, follows the story of a drug cartel leader who hires a lawyer to help him go off the grid by transitioning into a woman. It stars Karla Sofia Gascon in the titular role running from the law, with Zoe Saldaña playing her lawyer, Rita Mora Castro, each of whom also earned nominations.
Along with the film being nominated for ‘Best Picture’, both actors have been nominated for ‘Best Actress’ and ‘Best Supporting Actress’, respectively. Gascon is also making Academy Award history for being the first transgender woman to receive a nomination for ‘Best Actress’. It is also the only non-English-speaking film nominated for ‘Best Picture’ in 2025.
Audiard also picked up a nomination for ‘Best Director’ for the project and ‘Best Adapted Screenplay’, having based the film on the book Écoute by Boris Razon. The film also swept the board on musical nominations, earning a nomination for ‘Best Original Score’ as well as two nominations for ‘Best Original Song’ for the tracks ‘El Mal’ and ‘Mi Camino’.
The project has also been a major frontrunner during award season thus far. Outside of the Academy Awards, both Saldana and Gascon were also awarded ‘Best Actress’ alongside co-stars Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024.
The film has also faced scrutiny from the film community for its depiction of Mexico during its runtime. While Audiard has defended his actions in making the film, he has since apologised for some of the inauthentic portrayals of the country.
Saldaña also took home the award for ‘Best Supporting Actress’ for her portrayal in the film at the 2025 Golden Globes. The film itself was awarded ‘Best Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy’, beating out Challengers and Jon Chu’s adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked. It has also become the second most-nominated film in Golden Globes history, with ten nominations.
Never Miss A Scene
The Far Out Film Newsletter
All the latest film news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.