'Thrilled' Oscar nominee Jacques Audiard hails 'hybrid' cinema

French director Jacques Audiard told AFP Thursday that he was "extremely thrilled" after his film "Emilia Perez" shattered the record for the most Oscar nominations for a non-English-language film on Thursday.

The surreal musical odyssey about the gender transition of a Mexican drug lord received 13 nominations, making it the most-nominated non-English-language film in Oscar history.

With music interspersed with mostly Spanish dialogue and directed by a Frenchman, Audiard said it was an example of "hybrid cinema".

"I wonder if it's becoming a trend -- a desire to make films with different linguistic elements, unique actors, and distinctive themes," the 72-year-old told AFP shortly before boarding a plane for South America.

He also addressed ongoing controversy in Mexico, where some have criticised the film for its portrayal of the country and its drug trafficking problems, even before its theatrical release there.

"There are those who have seen the film and those who haven't," he said. "My intentions seem virtuous to me but I recognise there's an issue over there."

"Drug trafficking —- well, you could also choose not to talk about it! But it was something close to my heart. Maybe I handled it clumsily," he added.

This year's best director category features another French filmmaker, Coralie Fargeat, who is the only woman.

"The most touching messages that I've received are from young women directors," she told AFP after her nomination for "The Substance", a blood-drenched horror film starring Demi Moore, who was nominated for best actress.

"It makes us believe it's possible. I deeply believe in the power of representation," Fargeat added.

The other 2025 best director nominees are Sean Baker for "Anora", Brady Corbet for "The Brutalist" and James Mangold for "A Complete Unknown".

Only three women have won the best director award in Oscars history, beginning with American Kathryn Bigelow for her 2009 war film "The Hurt Locker".

French Culture Minister Rachida Dati hailed the two French films in the category, saying they were "evidence once again of the genius of French cinema".

Audiard has previous experience of the Academy Awards, having seen his 2009 film "A Prophet" nominated in the best foreign language film category.

"But it wasn't the same pressure," he said.