Bill Maher recently discussed the ongoing debate surrounding “cancel culture” during a conversation with David Sedaris on his show, Real Time with Bill Maher. Maher argued that despite some people claiming cancel culture isn’t a real phenomenon, recent events at the Oscars prove otherwise. He pointed to the Karla Sofía Gascón scandal as an example, suggesting that it played a role in Emilia Pérez losing out at the prestigious awards ceremony.
According to Maher, Emilia Pérez was initially the frontrunner to win big at the Oscars, with Hollywood excited about the prospect of making history by having a trans person win the Best Actress category. However, Gascón’s controversial tweets, which Maher likened to something a child might say, caused a backlash that ultimately led to Pérez losing out on the coveted award.
Maher highlighted the impact of cancel culture in this instance, noting that Gascón’s tweets, while honest in some respects, were deemed too offensive by the “woke community.” As a result, Anora emerged as the unexpected winner of the night, taking home several top awards including Best Picture and Best Actress in a Leading Role for Mikey Madison.
Despite the controversy surrounding Gascón, she attended the Oscars and issued a public apology for her past social media posts, expressing regret for causing hurt and reaffirming her commitment to fighting for a better world. While Emilia Pérez did not sweep the awards as expected, the film did receive recognition with Zoe Saldaña winning Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
The conversation between Maher and Sedaris sheds light on the complex and ever-evolving nature of cancel culture in today’s society. It serves as a reminder of the power of social media and public opinion in shaping the outcomes of high-profile events like the Oscars. As the debate around cancel culture continues, it remains a topic of interest and contention within the entertainment industry and beyond.
