Zoe Saldaña Apologizes at Oscars After ‘Many Mexicans Felt Offended’ by ‘Emilia Pérez’: “That Was Never Our Intention”

Zoe Saldaña Apologizes at Oscars After ‘Many Mexicans Felt Offended’ by ‘Emilia Pérez’: “That Was Never Our Intention”

Hollywood star **Zoe Saldaña** took the stage at the **2025 Academy Awards** to publicly apologize following backlash over the film *Emilia Pérez*, after many Mexicans voiced concerns over its portrayal of their culture.

The film, which has garnered critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, tells the story of a **Mexican cartel leader who transitions into a woman**, exploring themes of identity, redemption, and justice. However, despite its artistic praise, *Emilia Pérez* has been met with criticism from some Mexican viewers who feel the movie **misrepresents their culture** and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.

Saldaña: “That Was Never Our Intention”

During her time on stage at the Oscars, Saldaña addressed the controversy, acknowledging the concerns raised by the Mexican community.

> “I want to take a moment to say that if any part of *Emilia Pérez* has offended or misrepresented the Mexican people, I sincerely apologize. That was never our intention.”

The **Guardians of the Galaxy** star, who plays a key role in the film, emphasized that the project was made with **respect and admiration for Mexican culture**, and that any offense caused was unintentional.

> “We told this story with love, with a deep appreciation for its message, and with the hope of starting important conversations. I hear you, and I respect your voices.”Backlash and Cultural Sensitivity Debate

The criticism surrounding Emilia Pérez has sparked discussions about Hollywood’s representation of Latin American stories. Some argue that the film sensationalizes cartel violence, while others believe it is a progressive and daring film that tackles gender identity in a unique way.

Despite the backlash, Emilia Pérez has been recognized as a groundbreaking film, winning major awards at international film festivals. Saldaña’s apology at the Oscars was seen as an effort to bridge the gap between artistic intent and audience perception.

What’s Next?

With *Emilia Pérez* continuing to spark debate, Saldaña’s words may help ease tensions, but the conversation about authentic representation in Hollywood is far from over. Moving forward, filmmakers will likely face increased pressure to ensure that **stories centered on Mexican and Latin American cultures are told with accuracy and sensitivity.

For now, Saldaña’s apology serves as a reminder that **even well-intended films can have unintended consequences, and that listening to the voices of those being represented is essential in storytelling.