Zoe Saldaña has responded to criticism surrounding Emilia Pérez, the film that recently earned her a historic Oscar win. The actress addressed concerns from members of the Mexican community who felt the film misrepresented their country. As controversy swirls around the movie’s portrayal of Mexico and the trans community, Saldaña insists that the film was never meant to define a nation.
A Landmark Win Tainted by Backlash
Saldaña took home her first Academy Award for portraying lawyer Rita Mora Castro in Emilia Pérez, directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard. The film, which has been making waves across the awards circuit after winning at the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards, and BAFTAs, has polarized audiences—especially in Mexico.
As the dust settled from the Oscars, where Saldaña stood triumphant, criticism gained momentum online. Some Mexican viewers and cultural commentators argued that the film perpetuated harmful stereotypes about the country. Others pointed out the complex portrayal of its themes, especially regarding transgender representation, as Karla Sofía Gascón—one of the film’s leads—found herself at the center of social media debates due to racially charged comments.
Saldaña Pushes Back: “We Weren’t Making a Film About a Country”
Speaking in the Oscars press room, Saldaña acknowledged the concerns but remained firm in her stance.
“I’m very, very sorry that you and so many Mexicans felt offended. That was never our intention,” she said. “We spoke and we came from a place of love, and I will stand by that.”
However, Saldaña made it clear that while the film takes place in Mexico, it isn’t meant to define or caricature the country’s struggles.
“For me, the heart of this movie was not Mexico,” she added. “We weren’t making a film about a country. We were making a film about four women.”
A Broader Story of Struggle and Strength
Saldaña went on to emphasize that the film’s core themes extend beyond national borders. The characters, the actress insisted, could exist in any society.
“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,” she explained. “They are still very universal women that are struggling every day, trying to survive systemic oppression and trying to find their most authentic voices.”
Her comments aimed to divert the conversation beyond geography and focus on the film’s broader themes of identity, survival, and transformation.
Calls for a Conversation, Not Cancellation
While Saldaña defended the film’s intentions, she also extended an olive branch to critics. Rather than dismissing dissenting voices, she expressed openness to dialogue.
“I’m also always open to sit down with all of my Mexican brothers and sisters, and with love and respect, having a great conversation on how Emilia Pérez could have been done better,” she said. “[I] have no problem. I welcome it.”
Her willingness to engage in discussion suggests that, despite standing by the film, she recognizes the significance of representation and audience reception.
Social Media Fueling the Flames
Online reactions to Emilia Pérez have been divided. Supporters argue that the film is a work of art meant to challenge perspectives rather than cater to national pride. Detractors believe the movie reinforces problematic portrayals of Mexico, a country often misrepresented in Hollywood.
The controversy deepened with resurfaced posts from Gascón, a trans actress at the center of the film. Some of her past social media activity, deemed racially insensitive, further complicated the public discourse. This fueled a broader debate about casting, authenticity, and the responsibilities of filmmakers when dealing with marginalized communities.
An Awards Darling, But at What Cost?
Despite the backlash, Emilia Pérez has been a critical and awards season favorite. Audiard, known for his nuanced storytelling, has received praise for bringing an unconventional narrative to the big screen. However, the film’s growing list of critics highlights the difficulties Hollywood faces when trying to tell global stories through a Western lens.
Saldaña’s Oscar win cements her legacy in the industry, making her the first Dominican-Puerto Rican actress to secure the prestigious trophy. But as she celebrates, the conversation around the responsibilities of filmmakers and actors when telling culturally sensitive stories remains louder than ever.
What Comes Next?
With the debate far from over, all eyes are now on how Saldaña and Emilia Pérez’s team will address the criticism moving forward. Will the film industry take this as a lesson in responsible storytelling? Or will Emilia Pérez go down as yet another example of Hollywood’s struggle with authentic representation?
One thing is certain—this Oscar-winning film is not fading from the conversation anytime soon.