Oscars 2025: Academy confirms ‘Fab 5’ format won’t be used for acting categories amid ‘Emilia Perez’ controversy

A still from last year’s Oscar ceremony
| Photo Credit: ABC

The Academy has clarified that the “Fab 5” format, which features past Oscar winners delivering personal tributes to acting nominees, will not be used for this year’s ceremony. While speculation swirled that the decision was linked to backlash surrounding Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón, sources indicate that the change was planned in advance.

Instead of celebrating acting nominees, the “Fab 5” format will now be reserved for the directing category and select artisan awards. The Academy reportedly decided to scale back the format to avoid running out of past winners willing to participate, preventing it from becoming an annual tradition reliant on recycled presenters.

Despite this clarification, the controversy surrounding Gascón continues to loom over the awards race. Following resurfaced social media posts deemed Islamophobic and racist, Netflix has significantly distanced itself from the Emilia Pérez star, scaling back its campaign focus on her and instead highlighting co-star Zoe Saldaña. Gascón’s absence from key industry events has further fueled speculation about the film’s Oscar prospects.

With only weeks remaining until Oscar night, Emilia Pérez finds itself in a precarious position. Whether Netflix’s strategic distancing will help salvage its campaign remains to be seen.