Zoe Saldaña apologized to Mexicans who felt offended by her film “Emilia Pérez” at the Oscars. She emphasized that the portrayal was never meant to harm. “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,” Saldaña stated in response to criticism during an interview. She further elaborated, “For me, the heart of this movie was not Mexico.
A moment for Best Original Score winner Daniel Blumberg for THE BRUTALIST at the 97th #Oscars.
Photo Credit: Matt Sayles pic.twitter.com/6CKd001Lv0
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 3, 2025
We were making a film about friendship. These women could have come from anywhere in the world, representing universal struggles.
But I’m also always open to sitting down with all of my Mexican brothers and sisters, with love and respect, to discuss how ‘Emilia Pérez‘ could have been done better.
Earlier at night, Saldaña highlighted her family’s immigrant history during her acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress.
???????? Brazil takes home Best International Feature Film for I'M STILL HERE with Walter Salles flashing a smile at the 97th #Oscars.
Photo Credit: Matt Sayles pic.twitter.com/GlqncNzc3Z
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 3, 2025
Saldaña apologizes for ‘Emilia Pérez’ controversy
“My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am a proud child of immigrant parents and the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award.
This award is for my grandmother,” she said. Despite receiving criticism, “Emilia Pérez” was a top contender at the awards with 13 nominations. Saldaña won for supporting actress, while the musical’s number “El Mal” took home the original song award.
However, the film also tied as the all-time biggest Oscar loser with 11 losses, sharing this record with “The Color Purple” and “The Power of the Dog.”
If you’re not reading the NYT Oscars live blog, you’re missing out: https://t.co/r8Ym7ytbvl pic.twitter.com/CHZ1MIZAgo
— Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) March 3, 2025
“Anora” emerged as the top winner at the ceremony, securing five awards, including Best Picture. The film’s director, Sean Baker, took home the Best Director trophy. Other major wins included Adrien Brody for Best Actor in “The Brutalist,” and Mikey Madison for Best Actress in “Anora.” Kieran Culkin earned Best Supporting Actor for “A Real Pain.
ANORA’s Sean Baker is the first person in #Oscars history to win 4 Academy Awards for the same film in one night. pic.twitter.com/H0Uw6dfQ4T
— NEON (@neonrated) March 3, 2025
The 97th Academy Awards also paid tribute to Los Angeles’s resilience, honoring the city’s strength in the aftermath of devastating events that destroyed thousands of homes.
The ceremony aired live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and was available to stream live on Hulu for the first time.
