Newly-minted Oscar winner Zoe Saldaña has shared an apology after being told by a journalist that her film Emilia Pérez was “really hurtful” for Mexicans.
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Per Variety, Saldaña was present in the interview room after the awards ceremony to speak to the press after her Best Supporting Actress win, where she beat out the likes of Ariana Grande (Wicked) and Isabella Rossellini (Conclave).
One journalist had reportedly told Saldaña that the film was “really hurtful for us Mexicans.”
“First of all, I’m very, very sorry that many Mexicans felt offended. That was never our intention. We spoke from a place of love,” the Oscar winner told the room of journalists. “I don’t share your opinion. For me, the heart of this movie was not Mexico. We were making a film about friendship. We were making a film about four women.”
“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.
“And these women are still very universal women that are struggling every day, but trying to survive systemic oppression and trying to find the most authentic voices.
“So I will stand by that, but I’m also always open to sit down with all of my Mexican brothers and sisters, with love and respect, [to have] a great conversation on how ‘Emilia Pérez’ could have been done better. I welcome it.”
During her acceptance speech, she declared herself “a proud child of immigrant parents” and “the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award”.
The 97th Academy Awards were hosted by Conan O’Brien for the first time, the comedian taking over duties from Jimmy Kimmel.
Anora proved the big Oscar winner, taking home five awards including Best Picture, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, Best Director for Sean Baker, Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing.
The Brutalist followed behind with three, including Best Actor for Adrien Brody, Best Original Score and Best Cinematography, while Dune: Part Two, Wicked and Emilia Perez took two each. See the full list here.