Zoe Saldaña Apologizes To Mexican Community Offended By ‘Emilia Pérez’

Zoe Saldaña has issued an apology to Mexicans who were offended by the Emilia Pérez film. Speaking to press after winning Best Supporting Actress on Sunday (March 2) at the 2025 Oscars for her role in the movie, the 46-year-old addressed the controversial project. According to Variety, a Mexican reporter prompted the discussion on the community’s distaste for Emilia Pérez, saying the Netflix original was “really hurtful for us Mexicans.”

“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,” explained the actress. “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.”

She continued to detail, “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. So 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 Pérez’ could have been done better. I welcome it.”

Emilia Pérez was issued on the streamer in November 2024 following a theatrical release. The official description reads as follows:

“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.”

According to ABC News, the film has been heavily critiqued by the LGBTQIA+ community for its portrayal of the transgender community, with GLAAD issuing a statement claiming Emilia Pérez “recycles the trans stereotypes, tropes, and clichés of the not-so-distant past” and represented a “step backward for trans representation.”

Gascón, who made history as the first openly-trans talent to be nominated for best actress for her leading role, also brought controversy to the film. In January, screenshots posted on X revealed past statements calling the late George Floyd “a drug addict and hustler,” as well as Islamophobic, racist and additional offensive tweets.

“As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain,” the actor explained in a statement. “All my life I have fought for a better world. I believe light will always triumph over darkness.”

Emilia Pérez was nominated across 13 Oscar categories, taking home two trophies for best supporting actress and best original song for “El Mal.” The film also set the record for most nominations for a non-English language film.

“My mom is here. My whole family is here. I am floored by this honor,” exclaimed an emotional Saldaña in her acceptance speech. “To my cast and my crew of Emilia Pérez, I’m sharing this award with you.”

She closed, “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.”