You truly haven’t experienced cinema until you’ve watched “Emilia Pérez.”

Netflix’s latest contender for the Oscars is a (deep breath) Spanish-language comedic noir crime thriller telenovela musical, featuring remarkable performances, especially from its standout newcomer, trans actress Karla Sofía Gascón. Be sure to catch it this week, alongside Prime Video’s fresh addition: Aldis Hodge stars as James Patterson’s admired detective Alex Cross in the mystery series “Cross.” And don’t forget, “Yellowstone” has returned, so we’ll be diving into that Western soap opera as well!

Let’s get to the highlights:

Check Out Karla Sofía Gascón in ‘Emilia Pérez’

Although I don’t participate in voting, if I had to choose the best actress Oscar contender this year, it would undeniably be Gascón. She shines as the title character, a notorious Mexican drug cartel leader whose transition impacts both a young lawyer (Zoe Saldaña) and the crime lord’s wife (Selena Gomez). (Check out my ★★★½ review.) This film is just one of many new releases you’ll want to stream this holiday season.

My colleague Patrick Ryan interviewed Gascón about her groundbreaking role, her own transition six years ago, and her aspirations for future roles. She shared a moment with Madonna, saying, “She hugged me, and she sobbed uncontrollably. I told her, ‘Madonna, calm down! It’s just a film! Don’t worry, be happy!’”

Watch ‘Cross’ Featuring Aldis Hodge as James Patterson’s Detective

As a fan of “Reacher,” I am thrilled by Amazon’s lineup of book-inspired heroes, and “Cross” certainly meets expectations. Hodge captures the essence of D.C. detective Alex Cross with a compelling mix of confidence, vulnerability, and integrity as he tackles a disturbing serial killer case. In an interview, Hodge reflected that reading an early script scene, where Cross interrogates a racist murder suspect, made him think, “This guy is cool as hell.” He praises Cross for being a blend of intellect and authenticity, remaining true to himself.

However, TV critic Kelly Lawler had a more critical perspective in her ★★ review. While she acknowledges Hodge’s captivating portrayal, she mentions that other elements of the show fall short: “It feels like an Alex Cross tribute act rather than the genuine article.”

Gear Up for a New Season of ‘Yellowstone’

Folks. WHO caught the drama-filled premiere of the latter half of “Yellowstone” Season 5? It did not hold back on revealing Kevin Costner’s fate as Montana’s uncompromising cowboy governor John Dutton. The Paramount Network series is once again in action, promising an array of drama for its final episodes. (If you need to catch up, earlier seasons are available for streaming on Peacock.)

Essentially, “Yellowstone” revolves around two main characters: Dutton’s fiery daughter Beth (Kelly Reilly) and the steadfast ranch hand Rip (Cole Hauser), who is Beth’s husband and arguably the show’s best character. Our “Yellowstone” expert Bryan Alexander chatted with the two stars about how their powerful dynamic upholds Daddy Dutton’s legacy, as well as the growing popularity of Rip and Beth. “They’re not perfect; their flaws are what really resonate with the audience,” Hauser noted.

More Great Picks to Explore!

• Exciting news! Conan O’Brien will host next year’s Oscars. That’s a fantastic choice.
  • ” Red One” has arrived, but it’s definitely not your typical holiday film. (Seriously, The Rock really urinated in a bottle for this?)
  • Are you looking forward to  “Hot Frosty”? You might just end up having a crush on a snowman.
  • Did you catch the trailer for Netflix’s upcoming biblical thriller “Mary”? I’m pretty excited about it.
  • Wendi McLendon-Covey is enjoying the hospital-themed humor in her new NBC sitcom “St. Denis Medical.”
  • Denzel Washington is set to appear in “Black Panther 3”? COUNT ME IN!