Zoe Saldaña is dealing with backlash from followers over her response to a query from a Mexican journalist about “Emilia Perez’s” portrayal of the nation.
Saldaña made historical past on Sunday when she turned the primary American of Dominican origin to win an Academy Award.
She received the Finest Supporting Actress for her inspiring efficiency in “Emilia Perez,” capping off a dominant sweep within the awards season after beforehand winning at the Golden Globes, Critics Alternative Awards, BAFTAs, and SAG Awards.
Article continues under commercial
Journalist Asks Zoe Saldaña About ‘Emilia Perez’s’ Portrayal Of Mexico
“Emilia Perez” was a really excellent film however landed in controversy after its lead actress, Karla Sofia Gascón, turned enmeshed in a scandal over her previous racist and Islamophobic tweets.
As well as, a number of individuals had been displeased with how the movie portrayed Mexico, with some followers feeling the nation’s neighborhood wasn’t adequately represented.
Therefore, after Saldaña’s Oscar win, it wasn’t stunning that she was requested about how the film represented Mexico.
Whereas responding to reporters’ questions, a Mexican journalist talked about to Saldaña that not a lot has been stated in regards to the nation all through the award season.
Article continues under commercial
The journalist requested, “Much less has been stated about Mexico, which is the center of it [“Emilia Perez”]. What would you say in regards to the coronary heart of this film, but in addition in regards to the matter, which is absolutely hurtful for us Mexicans?”
Article continues under commercial
Zoe Saldaña’s Response To Mexican Journalist
Saldaña started her response by apologizing to Mexicans who felt offended in regards to the movie’s portrayal of their nation earlier than stressing that she did not share the journalist’s opinion.
She said, “To start with, I am very, very sorry that many Mexicans felt offended. That was by no means our intention. We spoke from a spot of affection.”
The actress added, “I do not share your opinion. For me, the center of this film isn’t Mexico. We had been making a movie about friendship. We had been making a movie about 4 girls.”
Article continues under commercial
Saldaña continued, “These girls might have been Russian, might have been Dominican, might have been Black from Detroit, might have been from Israel, might have been from Gaza. And these girls are nonetheless very common girls which are struggling daily, however making an attempt to outlive systemic oppression and looking for essentially the most genuine voices.”
She concluded, “So I’ll stand by that, however I am additionally all the time open to sit down down with all of my Mexican brothers and sisters, with love and respect, [to have] an awesome dialog on how “Emilia Perez” might have been completed higher. I welcome it.”
Article continues under commercial
Netizens Slam Zoe Saldaña
Saldaña’s response to the Mexican journalist’s query did not go down nicely with many followers on-line, they usually took turns slamming her.
One particular person wrote, “Worst reply ever… she is so incorrect in each facet. What a disgrace.”
One other particular person added, “‘For me, the center of this film isn’t Mexico.’ What an ignorant assertion. The situation is a important ingredient of a movie. These characters’ story is rooted in Mexico and one in all its darkest points. Ready response by a publicist who lacks empathy. Very disappointing @zoesaldana.”
A 3rd X consumer shared, “Calling them her Mexican brothers and sisters after utterly dismissing their emotions in regards to the film that received her an Oscar is wild.”
One other X consumer referred to as for Saldaña’s Oscar to be revoked, writing, “Revoke that Oscar NOW,” whereas one other particular person suggested, “It is okay to say ‘no remark.'”
A sixth particular person commented, “A Dominican girl telling Mexicans that she does not agree with how Mexicans are damage whereas working with a Mexican girl… simply since you converse Spanish does not provide the proper to inform different Latinos learn how to really feel.”
Article continues under commercial
Saldaña’s Oscar Speech
After profitable the Oscar for Finest Supporting Actress, an emotional Zoe Saldaña climbed the stage to obtain her award and provides a heartwarming speech.
She hailed her “Emilia Perez” costars, saying, “Thanks to the Academy, for recognizing the quiet heroism and the facility in a girl like Rita, and speaking about highly effective girls, my fellow nominees, the love and neighborhood that you’ve provided me is a real reward and I’ll pay it ahead. Thanks a lot.”
Saldaña thanked the movie’s director, Jacques Audiard, saying, “Jacques, you might be eternally a beloved character in my life. Thanks for taking the curiosity. Thanks for being so inquisitive about these girls to inform this story.”
She added, “To my forged and my crew of “Emilia Perez,” I am sharing this award with you. Netflix, Ted, Lisa, Bella, Why Not Productions, YSL. Thanks in your help. To my kick-ss group at CAA, my wonderful managers and legal professionals and the highly effective women of the lead firm, your steering and thanks for all the time answering my emails late evening.”
Article continues under commercial
Saldaña Will get Emotional As She Dedicates Her Oscar To Her Grandmother
Zoe Saldaña quickly started tearing up throughout her acceptance speech as she spoke about her household and grandma.
She stated, “My grandmother got here to this nation in 1961 — I’m a proud youngster of immigrant dad and mom.”
The 46-year-old actress continued, “With goals and dignity and hard-working arms, and I’m the primary American of Dominican origin to just accept an Academy Award, and I do know I can’t be the final. I hope.”
Saldaña concluded, “The truth that I am getting an award for a job the place I bought to sing and converse in Spanish — my grandmother, if she had been right here, she could be so delighted, that is for my grandmother.”
