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 grew to become the primary American of Dominican origin to win an Academy Award.
She gained the Greatest Supporting Actress for her inspiring efficiency in “Emilia Perez,” capping off a dominant sweep within the awards season after beforehand successful on the Golden Globes, Critics Selection Awards, BAFTAs, and SAG Awards.
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Journalist Asks Zoe Saldaña About ‘Emilia Perez’s’ Portrayal Of Mexico
“Emilia Perez” was a very excellent film however landed in controversy after its lead actress, Karla Sofia Gascón, grew to become enmeshed in a scandal over her previous racist and Islamophobic tweets.
As well as, a number of folks had been displeased with how the movie portrayed Mexico, with some followers feeling the nation’s group wasn’t adequately represented.
Therefore, after Saldaña’s Oscar win, it wasn’t shocking 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 mentioned concerning the nation all through the award season.
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The journalist requested, “Much less has been mentioned about Mexico, which is the center of it [“Emilia Perez”]. What would you say concerning the coronary heart of this film, but in addition concerning the matter, which is actually hurtful for us Mexicans?”
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Zoe Saldaña’s Response To Mexican Journalist
Saldaña started her response by apologizing to Mexicans who felt offended concerning the movie’s portrayal of their nation earlier than stressing that she did not share the journalist’s opinion.
She mentioned, “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 will not be Mexico. We had been making a movie about friendship. We had been making a movie about 4 ladies.”
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Saldaña continued, “These ladies may have been Russian, may have been Dominican, may have been Black from Detroit, may have been from Israel, may have been from Gaza. And these ladies are nonetheless very common ladies which can be struggling daily, however attempting to outlive systemic oppression and looking for probably the most genuine voices.”
She concluded, “So I’ll stand by that, however I am additionally at all times open to take a seat down with all of my Mexican brothers and sisters, with love and respect, [to have] an ideal dialog on how “Emilia Perez” may have been carried out higher. I welcome it.”
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Netizens Slam Zoe Saldaña
Saldaña’s response to the Mexican journalist’s query did not go down effectively with many followers on-line, they usually took turns slamming her.
One particular person wrote, “Worst reply ever… she is so mistaken in each side. What a disgrace.”
One other particular person added, “‘For me, the center of this film will not be Mexico.’ What an ignorant assertion. The situation is a principal factor 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 fully dismissing their emotions concerning the film that gained 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 tips on how to really feel.”
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Saldaña’s Oscar Speech
After successful the Oscar for Greatest 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 ability in a lady like Rita, and speaking about highly effective ladies, my fellow nominees, the love and group that you’ve supplied me is a real present and I’ll pay it ahead. Thanks a lot.”
Saldaña thanked the movie’s director, Jacques Audiard, saying, “Jacques, you’re endlessly a beloved character in my life. Thanks for taking the curiosity. Thanks for being so inquisitive about these ladies to inform this story.”
She added, “To my solid and my crew of “Emilia Perez,” I am sharing this award with you. Netflix, Ted, Lisa, Bella, Why Not Productions, YSL. Thanks to your assist. To my kick-ss crew at CAA, my superb managers and legal professionals and the highly effective women of the lead firm, your steerage and thanks for at all times answering my emails late evening.”
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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 mentioned, “My grandmother got here to this nation in 1961 — I’m a proud little one of immigrant mother and father.”
The 46-year-old actress continued, “With goals and dignity and hard-working palms, and I’m the primary American of Dominican origin to simply 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 task the place I received to sing and converse in Spanish — my grandmother, if she had been right here, she can be so delighted, that is for my grandmother.”
