Zoe Saldaña Stands Up for ‘Emilia Pérez’ Amid Criticism: “We Weren’t Making a Film About a Country”

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Zoe Saldaña spoke up in support of the portrayal of Mexico in the movie “Emilia Pérez,” but she also expressed regret towards anyone who found it distressing.

After being questioned by a journalist concerning the potential offense taken by members of the Mexican community regarding the film, given that Mexico played a pivotal role, the actress expressed sincere regret. “I deeply apologize if you and many Mexicans felt upset,” she said in the press room following the 2025 Oscars. “It was never our aim to cause offense.

She shared that our conversation stemmed from a place of love, and I firmly uphold that stance. It’s just that we don’t see eye to eye on this matter. To me, the essence of this movie wasn’t about Mexico; rather, it was about four women. We weren’t crafting a film centered around a country; instead, we were telling a story about these particular characters.

Saldaña highlighted the fact that the female characters in the movie, portrayed by herself, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón, could have come from any cultural background. She said, “They could be Russian, Dominican, African-American from Detroit, or Middle Eastern from Israel or Gaza. They are women who face universal struggles against systemic oppression as they strive to find their true voices. I firmly believe in this statement.

Despite facing criticism regarding the film’s depiction, I’ve made it clear that I’m open to discussing the concerns with those affected. “I am more than happy to sit down and chat with my fellow Mexican kin,” I expressed, emphasizing love and respect. “Let’s have a heart-to-heart about how Emilia could have been improved even further.” Bring it on, I say with no reservations, as I welcome the opportunity for constructive dialogue.

Yolanda Saldaña clinched her first Oscar for her performance as attorney Rita Mora Castro in the film “Emilia Perez“, directed by renowned French filmmaker Jacques Audiard. This victory was celebrated on Sunday evening, marking a series of successes at the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards, and BAFTA. However, the movie has faced significant criticism on social media due to its portrayal of Mexico and the transgender community; it also stirred up controversy following racially offensive tweets from Gascon.

On a Sunday evening in 2025, the 97th Academy Awards were held at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, with Conan O’Brien as the host. Catch the glamorous arrivals on the Oscars red carpet here. To find out who took home the awards, check out the complete list of winners right here.

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2025-03-03 08:26