The European Film Awards gala held in Lantern had as its main protagonist Karla Sofía Gascón, who won the best actress award for her role in Emilia Perez, he advisable narco-musical directed by Jacques Audiard. In a night with messages in favor of Human Rights and European unity, the Spaniard left her mark not only for her speech, but also for her historic achievement: becoming the third Spanish performer to obtain this award, after Carmen Maura y Penelope Cruz.
Dressed in blue and with gold shoes, in a clear tribute to the European flag, Gascón took the stage of the KKL convention center in the Swiss town to collect her award with overwhelming naturalness. “I swear I didn’t have anything prepared because I didn’t expect to win,” he confessed with a smile. His speech, emotional and forceful, resonated with the audience. He recalled European values and highlighted its importance as a bastion of human rights in the world, in addition to dedicating some special words to his mother, currently in a delicate health situation. It was both a personal and social demand: “Even today there are people who prefer their children to be criminals rather than faggots,” he declared bravely, drawing standing applause.
Emilia Pérez, the film that brought Gascón to European recognition, is a unique work in the contemporary cinematographic panorama. Framed within a notable year for musicals, the film had already won notable awards at Cannes, including the female performance award shared by its leading quartet. However, the Lucerne award marks a personal milestone for the Madrid actress, consolidating her position in an industry that has known how to embrace her talent.
The plot, which follows the story of a bloodthirsty Mexican drug trafficking boss who hires a lawyer (played by Zoe Saldana) to help you in your gender transition, it addresses issues of identity, family and redemption. The transformation of the character into Emilia Perez Not only does he reinvent his life, but he also opens up a range of reflections that the film captures with sensitivity and humor. For Jacques Audiard, working with Gascón was essential to give depth to the story. “We adapt the characters to the talent and experiences of the actors. Karla Sofía is an extraordinary actress,” said the director at a press conference.
A crucial moment for Gascón and Spanish cinema
The award received by Gascón not only underlines his outstanding performance, but also represents a triumph for diversity and inclusion in European cinema. As the first trans actress to receive this recognition, Gascón has opened a path that until recently seemed unattainable for many. “It is an achievement that is not just mine, but that of all the people who fight to be who they are and find their place in the world,” he commented after the ceremony. Gascón’s victory in Lucerne also reinforces the position of Spanish cinema on the international scene. Although Emilia Perez is a French production, Spanish talent was represented in other categories, including animated film, where two national films competed for the main prize. Although none of these projects managed to win awards, the Spanish presence was notable, and Gascón’s triumph shone as one of the most outstanding moments of the night.
The award ceremony was full of emotions, but also important messages. Gascón spoke of his deep respect for European values, but did not leave aside the urgency of extending those rights to other regions of the world. “United we have emerged from dark moments. May our struggle inspire other places that have not yet achieved equality,” he said in a message that resonated both inside and outside Europe. The tribute to his mother was, without a doubt, the most personal point of his intervention. With moving sincerity, Gascón highlighted the crucial role of mothers in the formation of values and affections. His message, in which he harshly criticized prejudices towards the LGBTQ+ community, was a call for empathy and unconditional love.
A bittersweet closing for the European night
Emilia Pérez and her team had a memorable night, and the general atmosphere of the gala was marked by a solemn tone. The ceremony in Lucerne, held under rainy skies and in the middle of a city better known for its luxury tourism than its cinematic fervor, focused on conveying political and social messages. Juliette Binoche, new president of the European Film Academy, did not hesitate to highlight the shadows that loom over the continent, from war conflicts to threats against human rights. In this context, Gascón’s victory stood out as a ray of hope. Beyond the trophies and speeches, his presence symbolized cinema’s ability to break barriers, connect cultures and project a message of acceptance and humanity.
With this recognition, Gascón positions himself as one of the key figures of the next awards season. Emilia Pérez will represent France at the Oscars, and the team already dreams of achieving new goals. For Karla Sofía, this is just the beginning of an exciting stage, full of possibilities. “Now the party begins,” he said enthusiastically after the gala. In an ever-changing industry, where inclusion and diversity are increasingly valued, Gascón’s triumph in Lucerne is a reminder that stories and talents that were once marginalized are now finding their place at center stage. And, for now, all the spotlights are on Karla Sofía Gascón.
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