Zoe Saldaña responded to criticism about "Emilia Pérez" in the press room after her best supporting actress win at the 2025 Oscars.

Zoe Saldaña won the Academy Award for best supporting actress for her performance in the Spanish-language musical “Emilia Pérez.” She plays Rita, a downtrodden Mexico City lawyer who decides to accept an offer to help Emilia Pérez, a drug cartel boss played by Karla Sofía Gascón, set up a new life after receiving gender-affirming surgery.

After winning an Oscar for Emilia Perez, Zoe Saldana apologized to Mexicans offended by the film’s portrayal of their country. While addressing the backlash, she acknowledged the criticism but defended the film’s intent.