On March 2, 2025, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles became the epicenter of a historic moment at the 97th Academy Awards, as “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez claimed the Oscar for Best Original Song. Composed by Clément Ducol and Camille, with lyrics co-written by director Jacques Audiard, the track—performed by Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón—outshone competitors like “Mi Camino” from the same film, “The Journey” from The Six Triple Eight, “Like a Bird” from Sing Sing, and “Never Too Late” from Elton John: Never Too Late. The win underscores the global impact of the Spanish-language French musical, which garnered a record-breaking 13 nominations for a non-English film, including Best Picture and Best Director. In Brazil, Emilia Pérez debuted on Netflix and screened at the Festival do Rio in October 2024, where “El Mal” stood out as a vibrant highlight, praised for its genre-blending energy and sharp social critique. The victory follows a strong awards season, with wins at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice, despite challenges posed by past controversies tied to Gascón.
“El Mal,” a rap-rock number exposing the hypocrisy of criminals donating to charity, features Saldaña as Rita Mora Castro delivering a performance brimming with irony and power. Part of a soundtrack fusing Latin rhythms, electronic beats, and acoustic tones, the song was crafted during pre-production, with Saldaña shaping its final arrangement.
Another notable aspect was the international resonance. Emilia Pérez, centered on a cartel boss’s gender transition, solidified its status as a landmark for diverse cinema, with Saldaña also winning Best Supporting Actress and the film earning technical honors like Best Original Score.
A favored win amidst challenges
“El Mal” entered the Oscars with momentum from its Golden Globe and Critics Choice wins in January 2025, though it faced indirect scrutiny due to Gascón’s past statements resurfacing online.
Despite competition from “Mi Camino,” another Emilia Pérez track, “El Mal” shone through its dynamic on-screen execution, with Saldaña’s choreography and commanding vocals making it a standout moment of the awards season.
Crafting El Mal behind the scenes
Composing “El Mal” was a collaborative effort between Ducol, Camille, and Audiard, starting before the film’s script was finalized. The duo worked with Mexican translators to root the lyrics in the cartel underworld setting, creating a song that critiques corruption and violence with a mix of rap, rock, and electronic flair, refined after Saldaña’s input.
Filming its performance involved a live band to capture a raw edge, aligning with Audiard’s vision of an unconventional musical. Saldaña’s rhythmic delivery brought Rita’s strength to life, while Gascón’s backing vocals added depth, tying the song to the story’s emotional core.
At Brazil’s Festival do Rio, viewers lauded “El Mal” as a high point, captivated by its choreography and biting satire that exposes the contradictions of the characters on screen.
El Mal’s influence on cinematic music
Winning Best Original Song places “El Mal” in rare company as only the second non-English track to take the honor, following “Naatu Naatu” from RRR in 2023. Since 1934, the Academy has awarded 91 original songs, with few straying from Hollywood’s mainstream mold.
The victory reflects Emilia Pérez’s broader triumph, earning 13 nominations, including Best Original Score for Ducol and Camille. Made on a 20-million-euro budget, the film uses music as a narrative driver, and “El Mal” exemplifies this by blending social commentary with theatrical flair.
In Brazil, the song’s success at festivals and on streaming platforms highlights its global appeal. Saldaña’s Cannes-shared Best Actress win with Gascón, Gomez, and Paz further fueled its journey to the Dolby Theatre.
A night of multiple victories
Beyond Best Original Song, Emilia Pérez excelled elsewhere at the Oscars. Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress, and the overall soundtrack took Best Original Score, spotlighting Ducol and Camille’s innovative work across the film.
The ceremony also honored Flow for Best Animation and Anora for Best Original Screenplay, but Emilia Pérez’s 13 nominations outstripped even Titanic (1997) among non-English films, making its mark undeniable.
Timeline of El Mal’s rise
“El Mal”’s path to the Oscar unfolded through key milestones:
- May 2024: Emilia Pérez premiered at Cannes, winning the Jury Prize and Best Actress for its cast.
- January 2025: Secured the Golden Globe for Best Original Song, topping “Mi Camino.”
- February 2025: Claimed the Critics Choice, reinforcing its frontrunner status.
- March 2, 2025: Won the Oscar at the Dolby Theatre.
These moments trace the song’s ascent through the awards season.
Elements that clinched the win
“El Mal” stood out thanks to distinct features that swayed voters:
- Spanish lyrics exposing cartel corruption and violence.
- Rap-rock fusion with electronic and acoustic layers, shaped by Saldaña.
- Vibrant choreography amplifying the film’s satirical bite.
- Narrative integration, spotlighting character hypocrisy.
- Powerful vocals from Saldaña and Gascón, backed by Camille.
These traits set it apart from contenders like “Never Too Late” and “The Journey.”
El Mal’s legacy at the Oscars
Earning the Best Original Song Oscar positions “El Mal” among a rare cohort of non-English winners. Since 1934, just five songs in other languages have triumphed, with “El Mal” marking the second in three years after “Naatu Naatu.”
The win also underscores Emilia Pérez’s global influence. With 13 nominations, it champions diverse storytelling, particularly from Latin perspectives, in an awards landscape long dominated by American productions.
In Brazil, its popularity soared at the Festival do Rio and on streaming, with enthusiastic applause reflecting how “El Mal” bridged cultures through its energy and message.
Celebrating musical diversity
The award presentation at the Dolby Theatre was an emotional peak for Ducol, Camille, and Audiard. Onstage, they thanked Saldaña and Gascón for bringing the song to life, emphasizing the cast-composer synergy that fueled its success.
Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony showcased modern cinema’s diversity, with wins for The Substance in Best Makeup and Flow in Best Animation, yet “El Mal” emerged as a beacon of musical and cultural innovation.
