Did Latinos win at the 97th Academy Awards?

The 97th Academy Awards, held last night on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, marked a significant milestone in the history of the Oscars, particularly concerning Latino representation both in front of and behind the camera. This year's ceremony saw an unprecedented number of Latino artists nominated and honored, reflecting a broader shift toward inclusivity and recognition of diverse talents in the film industry.

Historic nominations and wins

For the first time, five Latino and Hispanic actors received acting nominations in a single year, highlighting the growing recognition of Latino talent in Hollywood. 

Spaniard Karla Sofía Gascón was nominated for Best Actress for her lead role in "Emilia Pérez," making history as the first openly transgender performer nominated in this category.

Although Gascón did not win, her nomination, before her tweet scandal, was a significant step forward for both Hispanic and transgender representation in mainstream cinema.

In the Best Supporting Actress category, Zoe Saldaña won for her performance in "Emilia Pérez."Saldaña's portrayal of a lawyer aiding a cartel leader's transition showcased her versatility and commitment to complex roles that define the complexity of Latina representation. In her powerful acceptance speech, she honored her immigrant heritage, expressing pride and hope for future recognition of Dominican Americans.

Colman Domingo’s nomination as Best Actor for “Sing Sing” needs to be further discussed as he is a queer actor of Guatemalan and Belizean descent who has consistently chosen roles that offer a message of hope, change and social justice.  

'Emilia Pérez': A French film about Mexico, at the finish line still making controversy

"Emilia Pérez," directed by Jacques Audiard, led the nominations with 13 nods, the most for a non-English language film.The Spanish-language musical tells the story of a Mexican cartel leader who transitions into a woman, exploring themes of identity, transformation and redemption. Despite controversies surrounding its portrayal of Mexican culture and the cartel narrative, the film's critical acclaim underscores the industry's evolving approach to diverse storytelling yet still needing to define how the representation happens behind the camera as well.

Behind-the-camera achievements

Latino representation extended beyond the acting categories. 

This year marked a historic moment with two nominations for Best Original Song which were sung in Spanish, “El Mal,” sung in the film by Saldaña, and Selena Gomez’s “Mi Camino,”  emphasizing the Academy's recognition of linguistic diversity in music. These nominations, and “El Mal’s” win, not only celebrate the richness of the Spanish language but also acknowledge the cultural significance of Latino music in global cinema.

Challenges and controversies

The journey toward inclusivity has not been without challenges. "Emilia Pérez" faced criticism for its depiction of Mexican cartels, with some arguing that such portrayals perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Zoe Saldaña addressed these concerns during a press conference, apologizing for any offense caused and emphasizing that the film aimed to tell a universal story about friendship and personal transformation, not to represent a specific culture or country.

Additionally, Karla Sofía Gascón's past offensive tweets resurfaced during the awards season, leading to public backlash and affecting the film's campaign. Gascón's decision to attend the Oscars but skip the red carpet reflected the complexities surrounding her nomination and the broader conversation about accountability and redemption in the public eye. It was also reported that Netflix publicists refused to let outlets interview the actress. 

Looking ahead

The 2025 Oscars have set a precedent for future ceremonies, demonstrating that the Academy is moving toward a more inclusive and representative selection of nominees and winners. The recognition of Latino actresses signifies a shift in the industry's dynamics, encouraging more diverse storytelling and participation.

However, the controversies accompanying these achievements highlight the need for ongoing dialogue and sensitivity in storytelling. As Hollywood continues to diversify, it must also strive for authenticity and responsibility in its portrayals, ensuring that increased representation leads to meaningful and respectful narratives.

The 97th Academy Awards celebrated significant strides in Latino representation, but not only needs further roles behind the camera, but also needs to uplift the roles that do exist. While challenges remain, the progress made this year offers hope for a more inclusive and equitable future in cinema, where diverse voices are not only heard but also honored and celebrated.