Zoe Saldaña Apologizes to Mexicans Offended by 'Emilia Pérez,' Says It Could Have Been About Women From Israel or Gaza

justjared.com:

Zoe Saldaña is offering an explanation of the intention of Emilia Pérez to those who are offended by the film.

After winning for Best Supporting Actress win at the 2025 Academy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday (March 2), the actress was asked by a reporter in the press room about some of the criticism surrounding the French-made film, which takes place in Mexico. “A lot of things [have] been said about the movie, about trans people, about empowering women, but less has been said about Mexico, which is the heart of it,” the reporter said. “What would you say about the heart of this movie, but also the topic [that] is really hurtful for us Mexicans?” Keep reading to find out more… “First of all, I’m very, very sorry that you and so many Mexicans felt offended [by Emilia Pérez],” Zoe said. “That was never our intention.

We spoke and came from a place of love, and I will stand by that.” She added that she doesn’t “share [the reporter's] opinion,” because “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.