Zoe Saldaña Addresses ‘Emilia Pérez’ Controversy Amid Oscar Recognition
Navigating a Complex Awards Season
Zoe Saldaña is speaking out about the controversy surrounding her Emilia Pérez co-star Karla Sofía Gascón, whose past social media posts—resurfacing amid the film’s historic 13 Oscar nominations—have drawn backlash for their offensive and Islamophobic rhetoric.
In an upcoming episode of the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, Saldaña expressed her disappointment and sadness, emphasizing that the film was created with a spirit of inclusivity and love.
"I’m sad. That’s the word that has been living in my chest since everything happened," Saldaña said. "I can’t speak for other people’s actions, only my own experience, and never did I imagine we would be here."
Balancing Recognition and Controversy
Directed by Jacques Audiard, Emilia Pérez has become the most nominated non-English language film in Academy Awards history. However, the resurfacing of Gascón’s past remarks has cast a shadow over its awards campaign.
Saldaña, who stars alongside Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Édgar Ramírez, declined to confirm whether she has spoken to Gascón since the controversy emerged.
"I feel like I’ve spoken enough about it," she stated, adding that she is still processing the situation.
Gascón previously claimed in an interview with CNN Español that Saldaña and Gomez “support me 200%.” When asked about this, Saldaña did not confirm the statement, instead reaffirming her stance against bigotry and racism.
"I do not support any negative rhetoric of racism and bigotry towards any group of people," she reiterated.
A Focus on Art and Progress
Despite the controversy, Saldaña remains hopeful that Emilia Pérez will be remembered for its artistry and bold storytelling.
"I will always be a hopeful person," she said. "I can still stand by a body of work that I am proud of."
She also emphasized the importance of storytelling that sparks conversation, adding, "Filmmakers should keep believing in their vision, even when stories are provocative. That’s how we grow as artists."
A Learning Experience
Saldaña acknowledged that this situation has been a learning experience for all involved.
"Everything in life is a learning experience. Uncomfortable events are meant to push us toward evolution, and I hope we continue moving in the right direction," she reflected.
She noted that the Gascón she met on set was not the same person reflected in the resurfaced posts but added, "I can’t attest to what people do in their private time with their private handles."
With the full interview set for release on Thursday, Saldaña remains focused on honoring the work of the Emilia Pérez team while navigating the complex emotions surrounding its journey.
