"Emilia Pérez" has faced controversy and criticism for various reasons. Among the most prominent is its portrayal of Mexico. The movie’s director, Jacques Audiard, is French, and none of its three lead cast members are of Mexican descent. Only one member of the core cast, Adriana Paz, is from Mexico.

Karla Sofía Gascón has said she will not withdraw from the Oscars race for best actress, despite controversy over past social media posts which showed her criticising Islam.