“That Was Never Our Intention” Zoe Saldaña Apologizes After Emilia Pérez Offends Mexican Viewers

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Following her win for Best Supporting Actress at the 2025 Oscars for Emilia Pérez, Zoe Saldaña acknowledged criticisms from Mexican audiences who found the film’s portrayal of their country disrespectful. Though she sympathized with those who were offended, she stood by the movie’s messages and invited open conversations on ways to enhance its representation.

In the press room, Saldaña addressed a reporter’s comment that the film was deeply upsetting to numerous Mexicans.

Initially, I want to express my sincere apologies if many Mexicans felt hurt by our actions. It wasn’t our intention to cause offense; we were motivated by affection. Yet, Emilia Pérez is more than just a Mexican story – it’s a tale of resilience and friendship that transcends borders.

She went on to say that the women might have originated from various places such as Russia, the Dominican Republic, Detroit, Israel, or even Gaza. Yet, they represent women everywhere who are battling systemic suppression and seeking their most genuine expressions.

Despite the debates, Saldaña embraced more dialogue: “I’m always ready to gather with my fellow Mexicans, with affection and esteem, for an enlightening discussion about how Emilia Pérez could have been improved.

In her acceptance speech, Saldaña shared stories about her family’s heritage as immigrants and expressed the importance of her Oscar win for playing a character who speaks Spanish.

Despite encountering criticism from certain Mexican and LGBTQ+ viewers during awards season, Emilia Pérez’s film remained a strong contender at the 2025 Oscars, earning 13 nominations. The movie claimed victories in the categories of Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Song, yet it also matched the record for most losses in Oscar history, with 11 unsuccessful bids.

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2025-03-03 08:52