Zoe Saldaña defends Emilia Pérez following her Oscar win

Zoe Saldaña made a bold fashion statement by donning a deep crimson Saint Laurent gown and sheer opera gloves. The 2025 Academy Awards saw Zoe Saldaña win Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez, making history as she becomes the first Dominican heritage actor to take the Oscar home.

Zoe Saldaña won her first Academy Award for her role in Emilia Pérez, but the film has been criticized for its portrayal of Mexico. Saldaña defended the film's message, stating that it is about women, not a specific country.

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Saldaña explained that the film is about four women going against the grain. While she acknowledged the film's more general, universal themes, she indicated that she was open to talking about any worries.

Zoe Saldaña defends "Emilia Pérez," saying, "We Weren't Making a Film About a Country."

The actress was answering a reporter who asked the now-Oscar winner about Mexican community members who were offended by the movie, especially since, as the reporter put it, Mexico was central to the narrative.

"I sincerely apologize that you and a large number of Mexicans were offended. In the press room following the 2025 Oscars, Saldaña stated, "That was never our intention."

“We spoke, and we came from a place of love, and I will stand by that. I don’t share your opinion. For me, the heart of this movie was not Mexico,” she continued. “We weren’t making a film about a country. We were making a film about four women,” as quoted in a report by The Hollywood Reporter.

These women could have been Russian, could have been Dominican, could have been Black and from Detroit, could have been from Israel, could have been from Gaza,” she said.

“These women are still very universal women that are struggling every day at trying to survive systemic oppression and trying to find their most authentic voices, so I will stand by that.”

Why has Emilia Pérez faced criticism?

Emilia Pérez, which has drawn criticism on social media for its depiction of Mexico and the trans community, featured Saldaña as lawyer Rita Mora Castro, for which she received her first Oscar.

The movie has also been controversial because of Karla Sofía Gascón's racist tweets. At the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, Conan O'Brien hosted the 97th Academy Awards.

FAQs

For what reason has Emilia Pérez been criticized?
Actress Karla Sofía Gascón's racist tweets have sparked controversy, and the movie has drawn criticism for how it depicts Mexico and the trans community.

In what way did Zoe Saldaña respond to the criticism?
In defense of the movie, Saldaña said it tells a universal tale about women rather than one about a particular nation. She also indicated that she would be open to speaking with individuals who were impacted about her concerns.