Even before the lead actress’s racist tweets were unearthed, the film was sagging under the weight of the director’s flippant approach to Mexican language and culture.

With 13 nominations and a history-making star, “Emilia Pérez” leads among Oscar-nominated films this year. Then Karla Sofía Gascón, who plays the movie’s titular character, found herself in a firestorm after her offensive social media comments resurfaced.

The film has renewed debates about representation and accountability as trans Americans fear for their rights.

Netflix had thought the movie could deliver the company its first best picture award. But comments from its star have put it on the defense.

As cinephiles debate artistic merits and award season odds, transgender activists and Mexican nationals grapple with the social implications of one of the most divisive films of the year