Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos On How Streamer Handled ‘Emilia Pérez’ Controversy – Oscars Red Carpet

deadline.com:

How to endure an unexpected controversy on the road to Oscars? We caught up with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos no how to bob and weave such potholes, in particular waht befell the Cannes-winning musical film noir Emilia Perez after controversial tweets were unearthed from its leading star, trans actress Karla Sofia Gascon, who is nominated for Best Actress tonight.

In such instances, is it best to release a statement, or let them play out? “Everything we’ve poured into this is about the film, always about the film, we just stuck to that,” answered Sarandos, straight up.

And despite the brouhaha that occurred with Emilia Perez, the momentum for its star Zoe Saldaña withstood the noise, with the actress taking Best Supporting trophies at the SAG Awards post Gascon’s tweets.

Sarandos response to that: “I think what’s really important, no matter what’s going on, it’s undeniable — that performance is undeniable.” Deadline also asked Sarandos about the streamer’s impact on indie films, particularly as Oscar destinations.