10 Essential Movies And TV Shows That Define Karla Sofía Gascón's Historic Career
Karla Sofía Gascón has cemented her status as one of the most compelling and groundbreaking actresses in modern cinema, with her career trajectory reaching unprecedented global heights in late 2024 and early 2025. Her powerful, transformative performance in the musical crime drama Emilia Pérez not only captivated critics but also made history, catapulting her from a well-respected career in Spanish and Mexican television to international superstardom and becoming a crucial figure in the representation of transgender actors in major Hollywood awards.
This article, updated on December 23, 2025, delves into the essential film and television projects that have defined her journey, from her early work in popular Spanish-language series to her recent, historic breakthrough and her newly announced roles that promise an exciting future. Understanding her filmography is key to appreciating the depth and versatility of this trailblazing performer.
Karla Sofía Gascón: A Complete Biography and Profile
Karla Sofía Gascón Ruiz is a Spanish actress whose career spans over two decades, marked by a significant transition that redefined her professional and personal life. Her recent global acclaim is the culmination of years of dedicated work across various genres and international markets.
- Full Name: Karla Sofía Gascón Ruiz (formerly Juan Carlos Gascón Ruiz)
- Date of Birth: March 31, 1972
- Place of Birth: Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain
- Nationality: Spanish
- Spouse: Marisa Gutiérrez (married since 1999)
- Child: A daughter, Victoria Gascón
- Career Start: 1995, with a guest role in the Spanish TV series Los ladrones van a la oficina.
- Major Breakthrough: Winning the Best Actress award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival (shared with co-stars) for Emilia Pérez.
- Historic Achievement: Becoming the first openly transgender actor to be nominated for a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award (Oscar) in a major acting category.
The Defining Roles: Movies and TV Shows That Shaped Her Career
Karla Sofía Gascón's filmography is a testament to her adaptability, featuring everything from lighthearted comedies and popular narcoseries to critically acclaimed musical thrillers. Her work before her historic transition laid the groundwork for the complex, nuanced performance that has brought her worldwide recognition.
The Global Phenomenon: Emilia Pérez (2024)
The role of Emilia Pérez is undoubtedly the cornerstone of Gascón’s international fame. Written and directed by French auteur Jacques Audiard, this musical crime film is a bold and ambitious project that premiered to rave reviews.
- The Role: Gascón plays the titular character, Emilia Pérez, a feared Mexican cartel boss named Juan “Manitas” Del Monte who secretly yearns to live as a woman and undergoes a surgical transition.
- The Performance: She masterfully portrays both the ruthless male cartel leader and the sophisticated, fulfilled woman Emilia, a dual role that requires immense dramatic and musical range.
- Co-Stars and Director: The film also stars Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez, with Audiard at the helm, elevating the project to a major international release.
- Accolades: The film won the Jury Prize at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where Gascón and her co-stars collectively won the Best Actress award. Her performance later earned her nominations for the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and an historic Oscar nomination.
Her work in Emilia Pérez is more than just a performance; it is a cultural moment. It showcases a trans actor in a leading, complex, and deeply human role, breaking down barriers and challenging traditional industry norms. The film's success has irrevocably changed the landscape for transgender representation in cinema.
Key Pre-Breakthrough Works: Establishing Versatility
Before the global spotlight of Cannes and the Oscars, Karla Sofía Gascón built a substantial career in Spanish-language media, primarily in Spain and Mexico. These roles established her as a reliable and versatile performer.
1. The Noble Family (Nosotros los Nobles) (2013)
This Mexican black comedy film is one of the highest-grossing Mexican films of all time and introduced Gascón to a massive North American audience.
- Genre: Comedy
- Significance: It was a major box office success, giving her significant visibility in the lucrative Latin American film market.
2. El Señor de los Cielos (The Lord of the Skies) (2013–2014)
A popular narcoseries that ran for multiple seasons, this show is a staple of Spanish-language television.
- Genre: Narcoseries/Telenovela
- Significance: Her involvement in this high-profile Telemundo production further solidified her presence in the North American TV landscape, specifically within the telenovela genre.
3. La que se avecina (The One Who is Coming) (2007–2008)
A long-running and highly successful Spanish television sitcom, this show demonstrates her comedic timing and ability to thrive in ensemble casts.
- Genre: Sitcom/Comedy
- Significance: A major role in a prime-time Spanish TV hit, showcasing her early career in her home country.
4. Llena de amor (Full of Love) (2010–2011)
A classic Mexican telenovela, this series is another example of her consistent work in the genre that dominates Latin American television.
- Genre: Telenovela/Drama
- Significance: Part of the significant body of work she amassed before her transition, highlighting her long-standing career in the industry.
5. 40 y 20 (40 and 20) (2016)
A Mexican sitcom about a divorced man and his son, this project further expanded her reach in the Mexican television scene, a key market for her career development.
- Genre: Sitcom/Comedy
- Significance: Demonstrates her continued engagement with popular, contemporary Mexican TV production.
The Future: Upcoming Movies and Continued Momentum
The success of Emilia Pérez has opened doors to new and diverse projects, confirming that Gascón is not just a historic footnote but a major, in-demand talent. Her upcoming roles signal a shift towards international, English-language projects, demonstrating her global appeal and topical authority in the industry.
New Film Projects Announced for 2025 and Beyond
Following her historic award season run, Karla Sofía Gascón quickly secured two major new film roles, proving her newfound star power is enduring. These projects are a clear indication of her career's upward trajectory.
1. The Life Lift
This is one of the first major roles announced for Gascón following her Oscar nomination, signaling her immediate move into high-profile international features.
- Co-Star: She is set to star alongside controversial actor Vincent Gallo.
- Significance: This project represents her first major, post-breakthrough film role and is expected to draw significant attention due to her and her co-star's involvement.
2. Trinidad (Upcoming Western)
In a complete genre shift, Gascón has also been cast in a western, where she will take on a villainous role.
- Genre: Western
- The Role: She will portray the main antagonist, showcasing her ability to play darker, more intense characters, a clear departure from her musical role in Emilia Pérez.
- Significance: Taking on the villain in a western demonstrates her commitment to challenging, diverse roles and her willingness to explore different facets of her acting craft.
Karla Sofía Gascón’s career is a powerful narrative of transition, perseverance, and historic success. From her roots in Spanish telenovelas and comedies to her groundbreaking, award-winning performance in Emilia Pérez, she has not only delivered unforgettable characters but has also fundamentally changed the conversation around transgender talent in global cinema. Her upcoming projects, *The Life Lift* and *Trinidad*, ensure that her momentum will continue, making her one of the most exciting and essential actresses to watch in the coming years.
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