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 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 really 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 individuals have been displeased with how the movie portrayed Mexico, with some followers feeling the nation’s neighborhood 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 stated concerning the nation all through the award season.
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The journalist requested, “Much less has been stated 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, “Initially, 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 have been making a movie about friendship. We have been making a movie about 4 girls.”
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Saldaña continued, “These girls might have been Russian, might have been Dominican, might have been Black from Detroit, might have been from Israel, might have been from Gaza. And these girls are nonetheless very common girls which can be struggling on daily basis, however making an attempt to outlive systemic oppression and looking for essentially the most genuine voices.”
She concluded, “So I’ll stand by that, however I am additionally all the time open to take a seat down with all of my Mexican brothers and sisters, with love and respect, [to have] a fantastic dialog on how “Emilia Perez” might 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, and so they took turns slamming her.
One particular person wrote, “Worst reply ever… she is so flawed 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 placement is a essential component 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 fully dismissing their emotions concerning the film that received her an Oscar is wild.”
One other X person known 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 lady telling Mexicans that she would not agree with how Mexicans are damage whereas working with a Mexican lady… simply since you communicate Spanish would not provide the proper to inform different Latinos the right way 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 girl like Rita, and speaking about highly effective girls, my fellow nominees, the love and neighborhood that you’ve 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 in these girls 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 to your help. To my kick-ss crew at CAA, my wonderful managers and legal professionals and the highly effective girls of the lead firm, your steering and thanks for all the time 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 stated, “My grandmother got here to this nation in 1961 — I’m a proud baby of immigrant dad and mom.”
The 46-year-old actress continued, “With goals and dignity and hard-working palms, and I’m the primary American of Dominican origin to just 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 job the place I obtained to sing and communicate in Spanish — my grandmother, if she have been right here, she could be so delighted, that is for my grandmother.”
