The 2025 BAFTA Awards red carpet was noticeably less star-studded than in previous years,
with a surprising number of high-profile actors opting to bypass interviews with the media.
Although the event is usually filled with glamour and high-energy exchanges between stars and reporters, the atmosphere was noticeably quieter,
with some of cinema’s most notable names—such as James Norton, Ralph Fiennes, Demi Moore, and Pamela Anderson—deciding to skip the media frenzy altogether.
While some celebrities made brief appearances for live-stream segments organized by the BAFTA team, many quickly bypassed the press without offering a single word.
The decision to avoid press interactions raised questions, and sources later suggested that some stars were avoiding “awkward questions” tied to the controversy surrounding actress Karla Sofia Gascon, who starred in Emilia Perez.
The Controversy Behind Karla Sofia Gascon’s Absence
The controversy erupted after historical tweets from Karla Sofia Gascon, the Spanish actress who portrayed the title role in Emilia Perez, resurfaced just before the BAFTA ceremony. Gascon, who made history as the first transgender BAFTA nominee for her role as a Mexican drug cartel leader undergoing sex reassignment surgery, found herself embroiled in a scandal when offensive comments she made on social media came to light.
Despite receiving 11 nominations, including a Best Leading Actress nod for Gascon, the actress chose to skip the BAFTA Awards. Her absence was highly noticeable, especially considering her role in a film that garnered significant recognition. The actress took to social media to apologize “sincerely to everyone who has been hurt” by her past comments and subsequently withdrew from the movie’s awards campaign.
Netflix’s Response to the Scandal
In the wake of the scandal, Emilia Perez’s distributor, Netflix, acted swiftly. The streaming giant reportedly removed Gascon’s name from promotional materials and emails, pivoting to focus on her co-star, Zoe Saldaña, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Even more notably, it was reported that Netflix planned to edit the film’s promotional posters to ensure Saldaña received more visibility, signaling an attempt to distance the film from the scandal involving its lead actress.
This move came as part of a broader effort to salvage the film’s reputation and maintain focus on the positive elements of its story, especially given the success of the film in the Best Film Not in the English Language category, which it won at the BAFTAs. Despite the setback, the film’s critical acclaim and the outstanding performances by its cast helped it to secure some recognition during the evening.
Emilia Perez and Gascon’s Legacy at the BAFTAs
Gascon’s absence was a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding the awards season, where personal controversies can impact a star’s career, even when their work has been widely praised. As the first-ever transgender BAFTA nominee, Gascon had been celebrated for her groundbreaking role in Emilia Perez. However, the resurfacing of her past tweets overshadowed her achievements, illustrating the fine line between personal history and professional success in the entertainment industry.
Despite the controversy, the BAFTA ceremony carried on, with other stars stepping into the spotlight. Zoe Saldaña’s continued prominence, along with the film’s victory in its category, showcased the resilience of the Emilia Perez team despite the challenges they faced.
Red Carpet Highlights and Other Notable Moments
While the absence of key stars like Gascon loomed over the event, other notable attendees still graced the red carpet with their presence. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande made their way down the carpet for Wicked, another highly anticipated film. Erivo, full of energy, engaged with fellow cast members, expressing her gratitude for their hard work. The actress, known for her bold style, wore a striking white lace dress that revealed her tattoos, drawing plenty of attention despite not recreating her iconic “green skin” look from the musical.
Pamela Anderson, who did not receive a BAFTA nomination this year, also made an appearance. The Last Showgirl star twirled around the red carpet in circles, embracing her natural beauty by going makeup-free. Despite the snub, Anderson appeared in high spirits, enjoying the moment and connecting with friends in the industry.
The red carpet at the 2025 BAFTA Awards was a mix of celebration and awkward silences, as some stars chose to avoid the media in light of the controversy surrounding Karla Sofia Gascon. While the event was undoubtedly a celebration of cinema, the shadow of the scandal cast a long and complicated light over the proceedings.
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