Zoe Saldaña Responds to ‘Emilia Pérez’ Controversy After Oscar Win: ‘I Don’t Share Your Opinion’
Despite the backlash, Zoe Saldaña stood by the film’s message in the Oscars pressroom, making it clear that she respects differing opinions but does not share the concerns raised about the movie’s portrayal of Mexico’s ongoing crisis.
On March 2, 2025, Emilia Pérez took home two Oscars, solidifying its place among Netflix’s award-winning films. The movie, a blend of crime, drama, and musical, tells the story of a powerful drug cartel leader who transitions to live as a woman and later becomes an activist. The film stars Karla Sofía Gascón, who made history as the first openly transgender actress nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards.
Despite its artistic achievements, Emilia Pérez has been a point of contention for many viewers, especially in Mexico, where the film’s portrayal of cartel violence has been called exploitative and inaccurate.
The film’s detractors argue that it takes a sensitive subject and turns it into an entertainment spectacle, failing to give justice to the harsh realities faced by thousands of families. Some believe Emilia Pérez exploits the country’s trauma for the sake of a dramatic narrative.
Additionally, the movie has faced backlash due to Karla Sofía Gascón’s past racist and xenophobic tweets, which resurfaced amid the Oscar buzz, further fueling the controversy surrounding the film.
Chris Lemons’ miraculous survival left a lasting impact not only on him but also on his colleagues. The emotional toll on Duncan Allcock and Dave Yuasa was immense, as they had believed they had lost their friend. Returning to the diving bell with what they assumed was his dead body was a moment of profound grief. However, the joy of seeing Chris Lemons come back to life was equally overwhelming.
The experience reinforced the importance of teamwork, quick thinking, and the resilience of the human body under extreme conditions. It also highlighted the unpredictability of deep-sea diving, where every moment can mean the difference between life and death.
During the Oscars press conference, Zoe Saldaña was asked to address the controversy surrounding Emilia Pérez and the way it portrays Mexico. She started by expressing empathy, stating:
“First of all, I’m very, very sorry that you and many Mexicans felt offended. That was never our intention.”
However, she was quick to defend the film’s vision, emphasizing that its core message is not about Mexico itself, but rather about the journeys of four women overcoming oppression. Saldaña explained:
“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 Jamaican, could have been Black, could have been 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 their most authentic voices.”
Saldaña ended her response by stating that she is always open to dialogue with those who feel differently, offering to engage in discussions on how media can do better in representing real-life issues.
“I have no problem. I welcome it.”
Another controversy surrounding Emilia Pérez was the lack of acknowledgment for the transgender community in the film’s Oscar acceptance speeches. Despite its focus on a transgender protagonist, the filmmakers did not explicitly mention trans representation in their speeches, leading to backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates.
During the backstage interview, a reporter raised this concern, questioning whether they would like to say anything about the trans community now. Director Jacques Audiard responded:
“Since I didn’t win Best Film or Best Director, I didn’t have the opportunity to speak, but had I had that opportunity, I would have spoken up.”
This response did not sit well with critics who felt that an Oscar-winning film centered on a transgender character should have used the global platform to amplify discussions about trans rights and representation in cinema.
While Emilia Pérez has received praise for its unique storytelling, powerful performances, and bold themes, it remains a divisive film. Netflix has seen a surge in viewership following the Oscars, with global audiences eager to watch the controversial yet celebrated movie.
The movie’s success has also sparked debates on how Hollywood portrays marginalized communities. Should filmmakers have greater responsibility when tackling serious real-world issues? Or does artistic freedom allow for creative reinterpretation, even when it risks offending certain audiences?
Despite the mixed reception, Emilia Pérez has undoubtedly made a significant mark in cinematic history, both for its storytelling and for the conversations it has ignited.
The Emilia Pérez controversy reflects a broader discussion about the ethics of storytelling in Hollywood. While some believe the film provides an essential narrative about identity, redemption, and transformation, others see it as a misguided attempt to glamorize a painful reality.
Zoe Saldaña’s response—though firm in her stance—shows that the conversation around representation, media responsibility, and cultural sensitivity is far from over. Whether Emilia Pérez will be remembered as a groundbreaking film or a controversial misstep will ultimately be determined by audiences and history alike.
