It’s 2025, and offending people is plentiful. But Zoe Saldaña is not here for the inadvertent offenses. The Oscar-winning actress apologized to the Mexican community after the release of her film Emilia Pérez, which sparked controversy for its portrayal of Mexican culture. In an interview following her win for Best Supporting Actress at the 2025 Oscars, the actress addressed the criticism, acknowledging the hurt some members of the Mexican community felt.
Get this: during the press conference on March 2, a Mexican reporter brought up the backlash, stating that Emilia Pérez had been “really hurtful for us Mexicans.” In response, Saldaña expressed her regret, saying, “First of all, I’m very, very sorry that many Mexicans felt offended. That was never our intention. We spoke from a place of love.” She went on to clarify her perspective on the film, stating, “I don’t share your opinion. 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.”
Moreover, Saldaña continued explaining that the story could have involved women from various backgrounds. “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 struggling every day, but trying to survive systemic oppression and find the most authentic voices,” she said. While standing by the film’s message, she added, “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 Pérez could have been done better. I welcome it.”
Emilia Pérez, which debuted on Netflix in November 2024, follows the story of four women in Mexico, led by cartel leader Emilia, played by Karla Sofía Gascón, and lawyer Rita, portrayed by Saldaña. Here’s the film’s description:
“From renegade auteur Jacques Audiard comes Emilia Pérez, an audacious fever dream that defies genres and expectations. Through liberating song and dance and bold visuals, this odyssey follows the journey of four remarkable women in Mexico, each pursuing their own happiness. The fearsome cartel leader Emilia (Karla Sofía Gascón) enlists Rita (Zoe Saldaña), an unappreciated lawyer stuck in a dead-end job, to help fake her death so that Emilia can finally live authentically as her true self. Written and directed by Audiard (Rust and Bone, A Prophet), the double Cannes-winning film also stars Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Edgar Ramírez.”
The film’s Oscar success included 13 nominations, with Saldaña winning Best Supporting Actress and the film securing Best Original Song for El Mal. In her emotional acceptance speech, Saldaña shared her gratitude, saying, “My mom is here. My whole family is here. I am floored by this honor. To my cast and my crew of Emilia Pérez, I’m sharing this award with you.”
Saldaña also reflected on her heritage, saying, “My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hard-working hands. I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award and I know I won’t be the last.”