Few could have predicted that Emelia Perez, a musical widely criticized by audiences and critics alike, would secure an Oscar—especially against fierce competition from Wicked, featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. While the Oscars isn’t merely a popularity contest, awarding such a divisive film raises concerns about the Academy's disconnect from viewers, potentially worsening its declining ratings.

The backlash against Emelia Perez stemmed from its stereotypical portrayal of Latino narratives surrounding- yup you guessed it right drug cartel- and a clichéd storyline of a transgender woman's struggle surrounding - again you guessed it right- her transition . Many felt the film was crafted to appeal to the Academy’s perceived preferences rather than offering authentic representation. Meanwhile, critically acclaimed films like Dune 2 struggled to secure nominations, highlighting the issue of so-called "Oscar bait" movies overshadowing genuine creativity.

Despite the controversy surrounding director Sofia Gascon's racist tweets, the film received 13 nominations and won two major awards. The Best Actress race was also nearly claimed by Emelia Perez, if not for the backlash against these comments. The upset was further amplified when newcomer Madison won Best Actress over the favored Demi Moore.

The issue, however, isn't opposition to Latino narratives but the Academy's approach to representation. Amid efforts to move past accusations of being "so white," the Oscars must prioritize genuine diversity over tokenism, ensuring that representation resonates meaningfully rather than feeling forced.