Decades before Emilia Pérez's breakthrough, a little-known trans actor's performance in 'The Crying Game' sparked Oscar buzz and set the stage for Hollywood's evolving representation
beat sheet
The 1992 film 'The Crying Game' featured a transgender lead character played by newcomer Jaye Davidson, who was discovered at a party and had only one other acting credit before quitting
Despite a lukewarm reception in the UK, Miramax's savvy marketing campaign that kept Dil's identity a secret helped the film earn $62 million ($140 million today) and 6 Oscar nominations, including a best supporting actor nod for Davidson
call sheet
Emilia Pérez, Neil Jordan, Forest Whitaker, Stephen Rea, Jaye Davidson, Gerry Rich, IRA, Miramax, The Crying Game
Decades before Emilia Pérez's breakthrough, a little-known trans actor's performance in 'The Crying Game' sparked Oscar buzz and set the stage for Hollywood's evolving representation
beat sheet
The 1992 film 'The Crying Game' featured a transgender lead character played by newcomer Jaye Davidson, who was discovered at a party and had only one other acting credit before quitting
Despite a lukewarm reception in the UK, Miramax's savvy marketing campaign that kept Dil's identity a secret helped the film earn $62 million ($140 million today) and 6 Oscar nominations, including a best supporting actor nod for Davidson
call sheet
Emilia Pérez, Neil Jordan, Forest Whitaker, Stephen Rea, Jaye Davidson, Gerry Rich, IRA, Miramax, The Crying Game