After earning for best supporting actress Oscar, “Emilia Pérez” star Zoe Saldaña responded to criticism of the film’s portrayal of Mexico, after a journalist shared that it has been “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,” she told press in the interview room. “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, “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.”
My Oscar Book:
Anora (my favorite film of the year) was the top winner at Sunday’s ceremony, with five wins including best picture, best director, and best actress.
