Zoe Saldaña is going through 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 turned the primary American of Dominican origin to win an Academy Award.
She received the Greatest Supporting Actress for her inspiring efficiency in “Emilia Perez,” capping off a dominant sweep within the awards season after beforehand winning at 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, turned enmeshed in a scandal over her previous racist and Islamophobic tweets.
As well as, a number of folks have 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 stunning 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 admittedly 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 said, “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 shouldn’t be Mexico. We have been making a movie about friendship. We have 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 are struggling every single day, however attempting to outlive systemic oppression and looking for essentially 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 amazing dialog on how “Emilia Perez” may have been achieved 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 individual wrote, “Worst reply ever… she is so flawed in each facet. What a disgrace.”
One other individual added, “‘For me, the center of this film shouldn’t be Mexico.’ What an ignorant assertion. The situation is a foremost ingredient of a movie. These characters’ story is rooted in Mexico and considered one of its darkest points. Ready response by a publicist who lacks empathy. Very disappointing @zoesaldana.”
A 3rd X person shared, “Calling them her Mexican brothers and sisters after utterly dismissing their emotions concerning the film that received her an Oscar is wild.”
One other X person referred to as for Saldaña’s Oscar to be revoked, writing, “Revoke that Oscar NOW,” whereas one other individual suggested, “It is okay to say ‘no remark.'”
A sixth individual commented, “A Dominican girl telling Mexicans that she does not agree with how Mexicans are harm whereas working with a Mexican girl… simply since you communicate Spanish does not provide the proper to inform different Latinos learn how to really feel.”
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Saldaña’s Oscar Speech
After profitable 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 facility in a lady like Rita, and speaking about highly effective ladies, my fellow nominees, the love and group that you’ve got supplied me is a real reward and I’ll pay it ahead. Thanks a lot.”
Saldaña thanked the movie’s director, Jacques Audiard, saying, “Jacques, you might be ceaselessly a beloved character in my life. Thanks for taking the curiosity. Thanks for being so interested by these ladies to inform this story.”
She added, “To my forged and my crew of “Emilia Perez,” I am sharing this award with you. Netflix, Ted, Lisa, Bella, Why Not Productions, YSL. Thanks on your help. To my kick-ss group at CAA, my superb managers and attorneys 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 youngster of immigrant mother and father.”
The 46-year-old actress continued, “With goals and dignity and hard-working arms, and I’m the primary American of Dominican origin to simply accept an Academy Award, and I do know I cannot be the final. I hope.”
Saldaña concluded, “The truth that I am getting an award for a job the place I received to sing and communicate in Spanish — my grandmother, if she have been right here, she can be so delighted, that is for my grandmother.”
