Oscars 2025: Zoe Saldaña Responds to Backlash Over Emilia Pérez Win, Issues Apology

Zoe Saldaña is standing by her work in Emilia Pérez despite the controversy surrounding the film at the 2025 Academy Awards. The actress, who won Best Supporting Actress, addressed criticism regarding the movie’s portrayal of Mexico and issued an apology to those who felt offended.

Zoe Saldaña Acknowledges Backlash Over Film’s Representation

Shortly after winning her first-ever Oscar, Zoe took questions from the press at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre. When a reporter labeled the film as “really hurtful,” she responded with an apology to those who felt misrepresented.

“I’m very, very sorry that you and so many Mexicans felt offended. That was never our intention,” Zoe stated on March 2, addressing concerns about how the film depicted Mexican culture and systemic issues. “We spoke and we came from a place of love, and I will stand by that.”

However, the 46-year-old star defended the heart of the movie, clarifying that Emilia Pérez was not about Mexico as a nation but rather about the struggles of its lead characters.

“I don’t share your opinion,” she continued. “For me, the heart of this movie was not Mexico. We weren’t making a film about a country. We were making a film about four women, and 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.”

Zoe emphasized that the film’s core message focused on universal struggles faced by women worldwide. “These women are still very universal women that are struggling every day at trying to survive systemic oppression and trying to find their most authentic voices.”

Zoe Defends the Film’s Universal Themes

While acknowledging the criticism, Zoe Saldaña clarified that the heart of Emilia Pérez was not about a specific country but about universal struggles faced by women worldwide.

“For me, the heart of this movie was not Mexico,” the 46-year-old actress explained. “We weren’t making a film about a country. We were making a film about four women, and 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 continued, “These women are universal. They are struggling every day to survive systemic oppression and trying to find their most authentic voices.”

Despite the backlash, Zoe maintained that the movie was created with a deep sense of love and respect for the stories it portrayed.

Standing By the Film While Welcoming Dialogue

Despite the criticism, Zoe did not shy away from the conversation, reiterating her openness to discussions about how the movie could have been improved.

“I will stand by that,” she declared. “But I’m also always open to sitting down with all of my Mexican brothers and sisters, and with love and respect, having a great conversation on how Emilia could have been done better. I have no problem. I welcome it.”

The Bigger Controversy: Karla Sofía Gascón’s Past Social Media Posts

Aside from the film’s portrayal of Mexico, another controversy surrounded Emilia Pérez, involving Karla Sofía Gascón, the first openly trans actor nominated for an Oscar.

As awards night approached, resurfaced social media posts from Karla’s X (formerly Twitter) account sparked outrage. The Spanish actress had previously made offensive remarks about Muslims, George Floyd, and diversity at the Oscars. The backlash led to calls for accountability, and Karla later issued a public apology for her past statements.

However, Oscars host Conan O’Brien didn’t miss the opportunity to poke fun at the scandal during his opening monologue.

“I loved Anora,” Conan quipped, referencing another nominee. “Little fact for you, Anora uses the f-word 479 times. That’s three more than the record set by Karla Sofía Gascón’s publicist. ‘You tweeted what?!’”

As the cameras panned to Karla, she appeared to laugh at the joke before turning to a friend to clarify the humor. Despite the controversy, she remained composed throughout the event.

Emilia Pérez’s Historic Wins at the 2025 Oscars

Despite facing backlash, Emilia Pérez still celebrated major victories at the 97th Academy Awards. The film, directed by Jacques Audiard, won in several key categories, solidifying its status as a standout production.

Zoe Saldaña’s Career-Defining Moment

For Zoe, winning Best Supporting Actress was a defining moment in her Hollywood career. Having starred in massive franchises like Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Star Trek, this was her first Oscar win, marking a major milestone. She expressed gratitude to her castmates, director, and fans, who have supported her journey.

Selena Gomez’s Role in the Film

Another highlight of Emilia Pérez was the inclusion of Selena Gomez, who played a pivotal role in the movie. While she wasn’t nominated for an award, her performance was widely praised, and she was seen celebrating with the cast at the Oscars after-party.

Public Reaction and Ongoing Debate

The backlash surrounding Emilia Pérez has led to heated discussions across social media platforms. While some viewers praised the film for its bold storytelling, others criticized it for what they saw as harmful cultural representation. The conversation has sparked debates about authenticity in filmmaking and how Hollywood portrays marginalized communities.

What’s Next for Zoe Saldaña?

Following her Oscar win, Zoe Saldaña is set to take on several new projects. She will reprise her role as Neytiri in Avatar 3, expected to release in 2026. Additionally, she is rumored to be developing new productions under her own film company, which aims to amplify diverse voices in cinema.

Despite the controversy, Zoe remains committed to telling powerful stories that challenge perspectives and ignite conversations. As she put it, “Art should always make people feel something, even if it’s uncomfortable.”

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Oscars were filled with historic wins, major controversies, and memorable moments. While Zoe Saldaña’s win was a career milestone, the debates surrounding Emilia Pérez highlight the ongoing need for cultural sensitivity in filmmaking.

As Hollywood continues to evolve, conversations like these help shape a more inclusive industry, ensuring that diverse stories are told with respect, authenticity, and depth. Whether you loved or criticized Emilia Pérez, one thing is certain—its impact will be felt for years to come.