Zoe Saldaña, newly crowned Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards, addressed concerns raised about Emilia Pérez during a backstage press conference. A journalist in the room described the film as “really hurtful” to many Mexicans, prompting a discussion about its portrayal of the country.
Saldaña expressed regret that the film caused offense but defended its intent. “I’m very, very sorry that you and so many Mexicans felt offended,” she said. “That was never our intention. We spoke from a place of love.” When pressed further, she pushed back against the criticism. “I don’t share your opinion,” she said. “For me, the heart of this movie was not Mexico. We were making a film about friendship. We were making a film about four women.”
The Netflix musical, directed by Jacques Audiard, follows a cartel boss seeking to transition while escaping a criminal past. Some critics have described the film as an outsider’s view of Mexico, pointing to its European director and production team. Additional controversy emerged around lead actor Karla Sofía Gascón, who had faced scrutiny for past social media posts.
Saldaña remained firm in her perspective. “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. And these women are still very universal women that are struggling every day, but trying to survive systemic oppression and trying to find the most authentic voices,” she said. “I will stand by that, but I’m also always open to sit down with all of my Mexican brothers and sisters, with love and respect, [to have] a great conversation on how Emilia could have been done better.”
Her Oscar win marked a milestone, making her the first American actor of Dominican heritage to receive the honor. In her acceptance speech, she highlighted her background. “My grandmother came to this country in 1961,” she said. “I am the proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hard-working hands.”
Reflecting on her career, Saldaña described the challenges she faced in Hollywood. “Every time that I went after a part and I didn’t get it, I cared so much, and I was so heartbroken for sometimes a day, sometimes a week. But I got up again,” she said.
This win followed a strong awards season for Saldaña, with victories at Cannes, the SAG Awards, the Critics Choice Awards, the BAFTAs, and the Golden Globes. She played the role of Rita Mora Castro, a lawyer whose life changes after meeting a drug lord seeking to transition.
Before the film’s release, she spoke about reconnecting with her background in dance. “I was able to carry the skills that I had from dance into roles like Neytiri in Avatar and Cataleya in Colombiana,” she said. “But, you know, after becoming a mom, the yearning to go back and do that was just like evergreen. I never imagined that it was going to come in the form of Jacques Audiard and Emilia Pérez.”
Emilia Pérez entered the ceremony with 13 nominations but won only two—Best Supporting Actress for Saldaña and Best Original Song. Sean Baker’s Anora led the night with five wins, including Best Picture.
