Oscars 2025: Zoe Saldana Responds To 'emilia Perez' Backlash From Mexican Community

Oscar winner Zoe Saldaa has apologised to any Mexicans who felt offended by the depiction of their country in her film ' Emilia Prez '.

The 'Avatar' star won Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars on Sunday, March 02 for her performance in the controversial crime musical, which has been heavily criticised by the Mexican and transgender community.

Backstage after her win, Saldaa was asked to respond to the criticism by a Mexican journalist who declared that 'Emilia Prez' has been 'really hurtful for us Mexicans'.

'First of all, I'm very, very sorry that you and so many Mexicans felt offended. That was never our intention,' she replied. 'We came from a place of love and I stand by that. 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.'

Saldaa insisted that the film was about the relationships between four women - played by herself, Selena Gomez , Karla Sofa Gascn and Adriana Paz - and they could have been of any nationality.