Zoe Saldaña Pushes Back Against Reporter Who Calls ‘Emilia Pérez’ ‘Hurtful to Mexicans’

Zoe Saldaña is standing by Emilia Pérez amid criticism over the film’s portrayal of Mexico.

Shortly after winning Best Supporting Actress at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, Zoe Saldaña addressed reporters in the press room. One of the final questions came from a journalist representing a Mexican outlet, who expressed concerns that the film was “really hurtful for us Mexicans.”

Saldaña responded with both empathy and a firm defense of the film.

“First of all, I’m very, very sorry that you and so many Mexicans felt offended. That was never our intention. We spoke from a place of love,” she began. “But I don’t share your opinion. For me, the heart of this movie was not Mexico.”

She went on to explain that the film’s focus was on its characters, not the country.

“We weren’t making a film about a country; we were making a film about four women. They could have been Russian, they could have been Dominican, they could have been black, from Detroit, they could have been from Israel, they could have been from Gaza. These women are all very universal women, trying to survive every day, trying to survive systemic oppression… So I will stand by that.”

Saldaña ended by saying she was open to further discussion.

“I will always be willing to sit down with all of my Mexican brothers and sisters, with love and respect, and have a conversation about how Emilia could’ve been done better.”

During her emotional Oscars acceptance speech earlier in the night, Saldaña celebrated her heritage and the significance of her win.

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