Following the 2025 Oscars, Zoe Saldaña addressed Emilia Pérez backlash while speaking to press at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre, issuing an apology to anyone offended by the film’s portrayal of Mexico.
Zoe Saldaña is still proud of Emilia Pérez despite backlash at the 2025 Oscars.
Moments after taking home the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in the Spanish-language musical, Zoe responded to criticism regarding the film’s portrayal of Mexico. (See everyone who won big at the 2025 Oscars here.)
Speaking to a reporter who called the film “really hurtful” in the press room March 2, she admitted, “I’m very, very sorry that you and so many Mexicans felt offended. That was never our intention. We spoke and we came from a place of love and I will stand by that.”
“I don’t share your opinion,” Zoe 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. And 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.”
Ultimately, the 46-year-old made it clear that she is not shying away from viewers who may have been offended by the film’s depiction of Mexican culture. But even so, she stood firm by the intentions that went into making the project, which also featured Selena Gomez and Karla Sofía Gascón.
“So, I will stand by that,” she added. “But I’m also always open to sit 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. Have no problem. I welcome it.”
In addition to what critics called a harmful portrayal of cultural stereotypes in the film, Karla—the first openly trans actor to be nominated for an Oscar—was also ensnared in a controversy after her past offensive social media posts resurfaced. In several posts to X (formerly Twitter), the Spanish actress appeared to target Muslims, George Floyd as well as diversity at the Oscars.
And while , host Conan O’Brien did not hesitate to make a joke at her expensive during his opening monologue.
“I loved Anora,” Conan quipped to the camera. “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?!’”
But as the camera cut to Karla, she seemed to take the joke in jest, letting out a laugh before turning to her friend to seemingly clarify the host’s humor.
For more moments you might have missed from the 2025 Oscars, keep reading.
Adrien Brody and Halle Berry Have an Amorous Red Carpet Reunion
Twenty-two years after Adrien Brody so memorably thanked presenter Halle Berry when he won his first Best Actor statue for The Pianist, he returned as a nominee for The Brutalist and she was prepared.
Wicked‘s Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Congratulate Each Other on a Job Well Done
No question, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are changed for good after starring in Wicked. The costars opened the 2025 Oscars with a medley of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, “Home” from The Wiz and their own film’s biggest banger, “Defying Gravity.”
Host Conan O’Brien’s Gift for the Real VIPs
Stars and the ever-important attendees who served as seat fillers when the A-listers got up to go do stuff were treated to these gifts from host Conan O’Brien.
Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner Sneak a Kiss
Best Actor nominee Timothée Chalamet hasn’t been coy about who his main squeeze is like some young actors, bringing Kylie Jenner as his date to the 2025 Oscars.
Meg Ryan and Best Actress Nominee Demi Moore Have an Emotional Moment
Demi Moore, a first-time Oscar nominee for The Substance, was relishing her moment with fellow veteran star Meg Ryan earlier in the evening.
Alas, Moore’s awards season accolades stopped short of Oscar night, Anora‘s Mikey Madison pulling off the Best Actress upset.
Best Supporting Actor Winner Kieran Culkin Enjoys His Victory With Robert Downey Jr.
Noting in his Best Supporting Actor speech that the honor meant a particular lot coming from presenter Robert Downey Jr., A Real Pain star Kieran Culkin enjoyed his moment with last year’s winner backstage.
Samuel L. Jackson and Selena Gomez Snap a Selfie
Past nominee Samuel L. Jackson and Emilia Pérez star Selena Gomez, paired to present Oscars for Best Documentary Short and Documentary Feature, made sure to capture the moment for posterity.
Best Supporting Actress Winner Zoe Saldaña Tunes in Backstage
Emilia Pérez star Zoe Saldaña, waiting backstage to present the Oscar for cinematography, caught Sterling K. Brown and Ana de Armas presenting Best Live Action Short to I’m Not a Robot.
Lisa Steals a Quiet Moment Backstage
Before Lisa performed “Live and Let Die” as part of a tribute to the James Bond franchise and producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the Blackpink artist and White Lotus star stopped to collect herself backstage.
Margaret Qualley, Elle Fanning Catch Up Backstage
The Substance‘s Margaret Qualley and A Complete Unknown‘s Elle Fanning weren’t among the nominees but producers found meaty roles for both: Qualley made a slinks surprise appearance in the evening’s James Bond tribute as a dancer, while Fanning helped present Best Costume Design to Wicked‘s Paul Tazewell.
What Did Kieran Culkin Just Tell Ariana Grande?
Ariana Grande, in attendance with Wicked costar and real-life love Ethan Slater, appears to have had her mind blown—but only her boyfriend and Kieran Culkin know for sure.
Oprah Winfrey Celebrates Quincy Jones With Queen Latifah
Entertainment royalty Oprah Winfrey and Queen Latifah joined forces to help honor the late, great Quincy Jones.
Past Winners Cillian Murphy and Emma Stone Meet Again
Returning to pay it forward, 2024’s Best Actor winner Cillian Murphy and Best Actress Emma Stone had a word up before heading out to present to this year’s respective winners, Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison.
Adrien Brody Thinks Billy Crystal Looks Marvelous, Darling
Best Actor winner Brody had an affectionate greeting for revered nine-time Oscars host Billy Crystal, who reunited with When Harry Met Sally costar Meg Ryan to present Best Picture to Anora.
Source: www.eonline.com