Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña Star in Musical Thriller Now Streaming on Netflix, Outperforming Wicked with Golden Globe Nominations

Warning! This post contains minor spoilers for Emilia Pérez and Wicked.

Streaming Success: Emilia Pérez vs. Wicked

Emilia Pérez, featuring acclaimed actresses Selena Gomez, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Zoe Saldaña, is now available for streaming on Netflix. Significantly, it has accumulated more Golden Globe nominations than the blockbuster Wicked, which pulled in an impressive $333 million at the box office, positioning it amongst the highest-grossing films of the year. Notably, Wicked stands out as the only original film (non-sequel) in the top ten movies of 2024.

However, a direct comparison between the two films is complex. Emilia Pérez had a limited theatrical release prior to its Netflix debut on November 13, 2024. Despite some backlash against the film, it has successfully captured substantial viewership and garnered ten Golden Globe nominations, overshadowing Wicked‘s four nominations for 2025.

Explore the Plot of Emilia Pérez on Netflix

Diverse Storylines in a Musical-Thriller

The narrative of Emilia Pérez intricately weaves multiple threads. The central storyline revolves around Emilia Pérez, played by Karla Sofía Gascón, a trans woman who fakes her own death to embark on a journey of social and medical transition while separating from her wife and children. Before her transition, Emilia was heavily involved in the Mexican cartel; her violent past ultimately resurfaces as she seeks redemption through her new life and creates a nonprofit organization aimed at identifying victims of cartel violence.

The film has faced criticism for its portrayal of gender transition as analogous to “death,” which some argue perpetuates negative stereotypes about the trans community. Additionally, Emilia’s reunion with her family, under the guise of an estranged cousin, complicates matters. Her former wife, Jessi (played by Selena Gomez), is unsettled by Emilia’s unusual behavior, leading to tragic repercussions.

Simultaneously, Zoe Saldaña’s character, Rita, serves as a lawyer who initially assists Emilia in obtaining gender-affirming care. Their paths unexpectedly cross years later, intertwining their lives once more as Rita becomes integral to Emilia’s nonprofit, particularly through a dark turn in the film’s conclusion.

Celebrating Women: Emilia Pérez & Wicked

Unique Perspectives on Womanhood

Ariana Grande as Galinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in Wicked

Despite the divergent narratives of Wicked and Emilia Pérez, both musicals explore significant themes related to identity and womanhood. Wicked mainly emphasizes female friendship, particularly the evolving relationship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda/Galinda (Ariana Grande), who initially clash but later find solidarity.

Elphaba’s struggle with societal perceptions—stemming from her unique green skin and extraordinary abilities—highlights her internal battle with identity. In contrast, Emilia Pérez dives into acute gender dysphoria experienced by Emilia, who, after years of hiding her true self, takes the drastic step of faking her own death to live authentically. The bond formed between Emilia and Rita further underscores the importance of female friendships within the narrative.

Emilia Pérez’s Golden Globe Dominance

Understanding the Nominations

Emilia Perez with Rita — Image via Netflix

Emilia Pérez has outpaced Wicked with six additional Golden Globe nominations, primarily due to differences in eligible content. One notable factor is that Wicked cannot contend for Best Original Song, as its soundtrack consists solely of songs from the Broadway adaptation. In contrast, Emilia Pérez‘s soundtrack is replete with original tracks, opening up more opportunities for nominations.

Furthermore, the range of eligible actors contributes to Emilia’s lead. While only Cynthia Erivo (for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy) and Ariana Grande (for Best Supporting Role) received nominations from Wicked, Emilia Pérez boasts nominations for Karla Sofía Gascón in the lead category, along with supporting nods for Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña, highlighting Gascón as the first openly trans woman nominated in her category.

Additionally, Emilia Pérez has garnered nominations for Best Director, Best Screenplay, and various other categories, broadening its chances at the awards ceremony.

Predictions for the 2024 Awards Season

Standout Performances in Contention

The outcome of this awards season remains uncertain, but 2024 has proven to be fiercely competitive, especially in the realm of musicals. The acclaim surrounding Wicked makes it challenging to envision a scenario where Cynthia Erivo does not secure Best Actress, while Ariana Grande’s portrayal as Galinda/Glinda has also received notable praise, positioning her well for an award.

Nonetheless, Emilia Pérez‘s impressive Golden Globe nominations indicate the possibility of upset victories. With two actresses from the film vying for Best Supporting Actress, the race between nominees from both films will be closely watched, particularly in the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress categories. The recognition of Emilia Pérez with a substantial number of nominations signifies a remarkable achievement in its own right.

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