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Karla Sofía Gascón: First Openly Transgender Spanish Woman Nominated for an Oscar
Karla Sofía Gascón has now made her mark in film history by becoming the first Spanish trans woman to be nominated for an Oscar. She received a nomination for Best Actress thanks to her groundbreaking role in Emilia Pérez.
The announcement was a groundbreaking moment, not just for Karla, but for the film industry at large. At 52, she’s achieved what many only dream of. Her performance as a cartel boss who chooses to transition and start over has been called fearless, deeply human, and unforgettable. This role has taken her not only to the Oscars but also to the Critics’ Choice and Golden Globe awards, solidifying her standing as a global star.
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Karla’s journey to this moment was truly extraordinary.
Meet Karla Sofía Gascón
Karla was born on March 31, 1972, in Alcobendas, a town near Madrid, Spain. Growing up, she always knew she wanted to be part of the world of storytelling and performance. By the time she was a teenager, she started carving her path, studying acting and working her way into Spanish television. Her early career included roles in TV series like El Súper and Calle Nueva, which earned her recognition in her home country. Yet, despite her talent and dedication, the opportunities she longed for seemed just out of reach.
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Seeking a fresh start, Karla made a bold move in the early 2000s: she left Spain and headed to Mexico. There, she discovered a booming telenovela scene and seized the opportunity to reinvent herself as an actor. Her first major role in Mexico was in the popular series Corazón Salvaje, where she played Branko, a Roma character that highlighted her versatility and charisma. This performance earned her a nomination for a TVyNovelas Award, and she quickly became a familiar face on Mexican television, starring in hits like Llena de Amor and the blockbuster movie Nosotros los Nobles. Mexico became her second home, both personally and professionally.
Back in 2018, Karla went through one of the most pivotal moments of her life. That year, she released her memoir, Karsia: An Extraordinary Story, and revealed her truth to the world: she was a transgender woman. It wasn’t a choice she made lightly. Growing up in Spain during the 1970s, amidst Franco’s dictatorship, Karla had kept her feelings hidden for decades, unsure of how her family, society, and the industry would react. By the time she transitioned, she had already built a successful acting career under her birth name, Carlos. Coming out publicly was a leap into the unknown.
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Karla has spoken openly about the struggles she faced during this time. There were moments of immense pain, isolation, and fear. In interviews, she has recalled receiving threats and experiencing rejection from some parts of society. Yet, she also found strength in her family, especially her wife Marisa, who has been by her side for nearly 40 years. Together, they raised their daughter, Elisa Victoria, with values of acceptance and individuality. Karla often says that her wife’s support gave her the courage to live authentically, no matter the risks.
After her transition, Karla’s career took an exciting new turn. She continued acting in films and series like Rebelde, but it was her role in Emilia Pérez that really stood out. Directed by the renowned filmmaker Jacques Audiard, the movie follows a cartel leader who, after years of violence, chooses to leave that life behind, transition, and start anew as a woman. This role required a deep emotional connection, and Karla delivered a performance that wowed audiences at the Cannes Film Festival, where she made history as the first trans actress to win Best Actress. This recognition paved the way for her Oscar nomination.
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Beyond her achievements as an actress, Karla is also a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She has leveraged her platform to illuminate the challenges trans individuals face, especially within the entertainment industry. Her activism has garnered her several awards, including Spain’s Rainbow Award for Visibility.
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