Zoe Saldaña has issued an apology to the people of Mexico for any offense caused by Emilia Pérez.
Speaking backstage at the Oscars after winning Best Supporting Actress on Sunday night, Saldaña responded to a Mexican journalist who claimed the film had been “very, very hurtful to Mexican people,” particularly since Mexico was “at the heart” of the story.
“First of all,” Saldaña said, “I’m very, very sorry that you and so many Mexicans felt offended. That was never our intention; we came from a place of love, and I stand by that.”
Emilia Pérez, which received 13 Oscar nominations and won two—including Saldaña’s award and Best Original Song—faced backlash during awards season.
The controversy stemmed in part from resurfaced tweets by Lead Actress nominee Karla Sofía Gascón, as well as criticism from Mexican audiences who felt the film misrepresented Mexico and its people.
However, Saldaña pushed back on the idea that the film was specifically about Mexico. “I don’t share your opinion. For me, the heart of this movie was not Mexico; we weren’t making a film about a country.
Zoe Saldana Accepting Oscar For Emilia Perez
We were making a film about four women, and these women could have been Russian, could have been Dominican, could have been Black from Detroit, could have been from Israel, could have been from Gaza,” she explained.
“These women were still very universal women, struggling every day, trying to survive systemic oppression and find their most authentic voices. So, I will stand by that.”
Saldaña also expressed a willingness to engage in further discussion. “I’m always open to sitting down with all of my Mexican brothers and sisters with love and respect, having a great conversation on how Emilia Pérez could have been done better,” she said.
Reflecting on her career journey, Saldaña spoke about persevering through challenges as an actress.
“Every time I went after a part and didn’t get it, and I cared so much and was so heartbroken… but I got up again,” she shared.
She added, “Realizing that it’s not about the win—when you learn to let that go, the day you do win, you have a deeper appreciation for it. You appreciate every moment that has led you here.”
