Criticism of Zoe Saldaña’s Reaction to Question About Playing ‘Emilia Perez’ in a Mexico Role

Zoe Saldaña is facing backlash from fans over her response to a question from a Mexican journalist about “Emilia Perez’s” portrayal of the country.

Saldaña made history on Sunday when she became the first American of Dominican origin to win an Academy Award.

She achieved success by taking the title of Best Supporting Actress for her outstanding portrayal in “Emilia Perez,” concluding a remarkable streak during the awards season following victories at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, BAFTAs, and SAG Awards.

The movie “Emilia Perez” garnered significant praise but stirred controversy when its lead actress, Karla Sofia Gascón, faced backlash due to controversial comments she had made in the past, which were deemed racist and Islamophobic.

Furthermore, criticism emerged regarding the depiction of Mexico in the film, as some viewers expressed disappointment in the portrayal of the country’s community, stating that it lacked accurate representation.

Hence, after Saldaña’s Oscar win, it wasn’t surprising that she was asked about how the movie represented Mexico.

While responding to reporters’ questions, a Mexican journalist mentioned to Saldaña that not much has been said about the country throughout the award season.

The journalist asked, “Less has been said about Mexico, which is the heart of it [“Emilia Perez”]. What would you say about the heart of this movie, but also about the topic, which is really hurtful for us Mexicans?”

Saldaña began her response by apologizing to Mexicans who felt offended about the film’s portrayal of their country before stressing that she didn’t share the journalist’s opinion.

She said, “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.”

The actress added, “I don’t share your opinion. For me, the heart of this movie is not Mexico. We were making a film about friendship. We were making a film about four women.”

Saldaña continued, “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 concluded, “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 Perez” could have been done better. I welcome it.”

Saldaña’s response to the Mexican journalist’s question didn’t go down well with many fans online, and they took turns slamming her.

One person wrote, “Worst answer ever… she is so wrong in every aspect. What a shame.”

Another person added, “‘For me, the heart of this movie is not Mexico.’ What an ignorant statement. The location is a main element of a film. These characters’ story is rooted in Mexico and one of its darkest issues. Prepared response by a publicist who lacks empathy. Very disappointing @zoesaldana.”

A third X user shared, “Calling them her Mexican brothers and sisters after completely dismissing their feelings about the movie that won her an Oscar is wild.”

Another X user called for Saldaña’s Oscar to be revoked, writing, “Revoke that Oscar NOW,” while another person advised, “It’s okay to say ‘no comment.'”

A sixth person commented, “A Dominican woman telling Mexicans that she doesn’t agree with how Mexicans are hurt while working with a Mexican woman… just because you speak Spanish doesn’t give you the right to tell other Latinos how to feel.”

After winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, an emotional Zoe Saldaña climbed the stage to receive her award and give a heartwarming speech.

She hailed her “Emilia Perez” costars, saying, “Thank you to the Academy, for recognizing the quiet heroism and the power in a woman like Rita, and talking about powerful women, my fellow nominees, the love and community that you have offered me is a true gift and I will pay it forward. Thank you so much.”

Saldaña thanked the film’s director, Jacques Audiard, saying, “Jacques, you are forever a beloved character in my life. Thank you for taking the interest. Thank you for being so curious about these women to tell this story.”

She added, “To my cast and my crew of “Emilia Perez,” I’m sharing this award with you. Netflix, Ted, Lisa, Bella, Why Not Productions, YSL. Thank you for your support. To my kick-ss team at CAA, my amazing managers and lawyers and the powerful ladies of the lead company, your guidance and thank you for always answering my emails late night.”

Zoe Saldaña soon began tearing up during her acceptance speech as she spoke about her family and grandma.

She said, “My grandmother came to this country in 1961 — I am a proud child of immigrant parents.”

The 46-year-old actress continued, “With dreams and dignity and hard-working hands, and I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last. I hope.”

Saldaña concluded, “The fact that I’m getting an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish — my grandmother, if she were here, she would be so delighted, this is for my grandmother.”