Zoe Saldaña responds to Mexico's criticism of Emilia Pérez and apologizes to offended audiences

Zoe Saldaña defended Emilia Pérez's portrayal of Mexico, while also expressing regret over the feelings of those who were offended.

In an interview after the 2025 Oscars, the actress addressed a reporter’s question about the Mexican community’s reaction to the film, particularly given Mexico's central role in the narrative. "I’m very, very sorry that you and many Mexicans felt hurt. That was never our intention," Saldaña said.

Zoë Saldaña at the 2025 Oscars.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images

The actress explained that the film’s message came from a place of love. “We were not making a film about a country. We were telling the story of four women,” she said. While acknowledging the controversy, Saldaña disagreed with the notion that Mexico was at the core of the movie. "For me, the heart of this film was not Mexico," she elaborated. "It was about universal women."

Saldaña, who portrayed lawyer Rita Mora Castro in the film, emphasized that the story could have centered on women from any background. "These women could have been from anywhere: Russia, the Dominican Republic, Detroit, Israel, or Gaza," she said. "They are women struggling with systemic oppression, finding their authentic voices. This was the essence of the film, and I stand by it."

Despite defending the film's artistic choices, Saldaña expressed openness to discussing the portrayal with those who felt hurt. “I’m always open to sit down with my Mexican brothers and sisters,” she shared. "I welcome respectful conversations on how Emilia could have been done better."

Saldaña's remarks came shortly after she won her first Oscar for her role in Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard. Her performance earned her multiple accolades, including wins at the Golden Globes, Critics' Choice Awards, and BAFTA. However, the film has faced criticism on social media for its depiction of Mexico and the trans community, with additional controversy surrounding Karla Sofía Gascón’s racially charged tweets.

The 97th Academy Awards ceremony took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, with Conan O’Brien hosting. You can see the full list of 2025 Oscars winners.