The 2025 Oscars are a mess, and not because of the competition. This year’s race is full of scandals, from blackface and racism to AI ethics and non-consensual behavior. Some nominees face backlash for past remarks, while others are accused of undermining the industry with AI.

We’re counting down the biggest controversies of the season, starting with frustrating snubs and working our way up to the worst scandals shaking Hollywood.

The Anora Intimacy Coordinator Debate

Why it’s controversial: Actress Mikey Madison revealed she chose not to use an intimacy coordinator while filming Anora. This sparked a debate about whether actors should have that choice.

Why people are mad: Some believe actors should always have protection on set to prevent coercion. Others argue that forcing coordinators on actors removes their agency.

Fallout: Hollywood may have to set clearer rules about intimacy coordinators.

Demi Moore’s Resurfaced Video Kissing a 15-Year-Old

Why it’s controversial: A video from the 1980s shows 19-year-old Demi Moore kissing a 15-year-old actor at a party. The actor, Philip Tanzini, was her General Hospital co-star at the time.

Why people are mad: Many argue that if a male actor had done this, it would have been a much bigger scandal. Some say Moore should apologize, while others claim it was harmless at the time.

Fallout: The clip is circulating online, but Moore has not addressed it.

Emilia Pérez and the Cultural Appropriation Debate

Why it’s controversial: Emilia Pérez, a French-made film about Mexico, has very few Mexican actors in its cast. Critics say it exploits Mexican culture while excluding actual Mexican talent.

Why people are mad: The film’s white European director, Jacques Audiard, is accused of telling a story that’s not his to tell. Some argue that Latino representation in Hollywood is already bad, and this makes it worse.

Fallout: The controversy threatens the film’s Oscar chances despite its 13 nominations. It has already won 81 awards and received 207 nominations.

Cynthia Erivo’s Past Remarks About Black Americans

A collage of resurfaced tweets from Cynthia Erivo. One tweet mocks Black American speech, while another, which she retweeted, claims African Americans are jealous of Africans in the U.S.

Why it’s controversial: Cynthia Erivo, nominated this year, has a history of mocking Black American culture while benefiting from roles based on it, like playing Harriet Tubman.

Why people are mad: She tweeted in a fake “ghetto” accent, made insensitive remarks about African Americans, and liked posts that suggested Black Americans are jealous of Africans.

Fallout: Renewed debate on who should play Black American icons in Hollywood.

Brutalist, Emilia Pérez and the AI Ethics Scandal

Why it’s controversial: Both Emilia Pérez and The Brutalist used AI to adjust actors’ accents and generate architectural designs. This sparked fears about AI taking over jobs in Hollywood.

Why people are mad: Many believe acting should not involve AI-modified voices and that visual artists should have been hired instead of using AI for designs.

Fallout: The backlash is hurting the film’s reputation and reigniting the Hollywood AI debate.

4. Zoe Saldaña’s Nina Simone Blackface Controversy

Why it’s controversial: In 2016, Zoe Saldaña darkened her skin and wore a prosthetic nose to play Nina Simone, despite criticism from Simone’s family.

Why people are mad: The role should have gone to a darker-skinned actress who actually resembled Simone. Saldaña only apologized in 2020, after years of backlash.

Fallout: The controversy resurfaced this year, with some comparing it to Fernanda Torres’ blackface scandal.

3. Fernanda Torres’ Blackface and Racist Stereotypes

Why it’s controversial: Torres, who won a Golden Globe this year, performed in blackface in the 2000s. She played a maid, called herself a “monkey,” and reinforced harmful stereotypes.

Why people are mad: Torres wasn’t just wearing makeup—she was mocking Black people. Many are demanding that the Academy ban her from awards.

Fallout: Torres apologized, but many don’t accept it.

2. Adrien Brody’s History of Racism and Sexual Misconduct

Why it’s controversial: Brody has two major scandals resurfacing:

He wore fake dreadlocks and used a Jamaican accent on SNL, which got him banned from the show.

He forcibly kissed Halle Berry on stage at the 2003 Oscars—without her consent.

Why people are mad: He never apologized for either incident, yet he continues to get high-profile roles.

Fallout: Fans are calling for Brody to address his actions.

1. Karla Sofía Gascón’s Racist, Islamophobic, and Classist Comments

Why it’s controversial: Gascón, a nominee for Emilia Pérez, has a long history of hateful remarks. Her past tweets include:

Karla Sofía Gascón has sparked outrage over resurfaced tweets containing inflammatory remarks. She referred to Islam as a “hotbed of infection” and suggested that Muslims should be expelled. In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, she downplayed the racial injustice, labeling him a “drug addict swindler” and dismissing the global outcry. Her criticism extended to the Oscars, where she belittled Black and Asian winners, calling the 2021 ceremony an “Afro-Korean party.” Additionally, she made derogatory comments about immigrants and welfare recipients, reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

Why people are mad: Gascón’s comments go beyond ignorance—they are deeply hateful.

Fallout: Many are demanding her nomination be revoked.

Final Thoughts: The Oscars Are a PR Disaster

The 2025 Oscars are more about damage control than celebrating movies. Some nominees are facing career-ending scandals, while others are getting backlash over ethics and representation.

Will the Academy take action, or will they ignore the controversy? Let us know what you thin

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