A Dominican First: Saldaña Makes History While Addressing Mexican Controversy
In a poignant moment amidst Oscar glory, Zoe Saldaña addressed cultural sensitivities head-on last night, extending an apology to Mexico while basking in the golden glow of her first Academy Award. The Dominican-American actress, resplendent in couture as she clutched her Best Supporting Actress statuette for “Emilia Pérez,” responded with diplomatic grace when confronted about the film’s controversial portrayal of Mexican culture.
“I’m very, very sorry that you and so many Mexicans felt offended,” Saldaña offered backstage, her voice carrying the weight of newfound accolades and unexpected controversy. “That was never our intention. We came from a place of love, and I stand by that.”
The musical drama, which captured 13 nominations but secured just two wins, found itself entangled in cultural discourse that intensified when Lead Actress nominee Karla Sofía Gascón’s controversial social media history emerged, casting shadows across the film’s awards trajectory. Mexican audiences expressed particular dismay at what many perceived as cultural mischaracterization and problematic stereotyping.
Yet Saldaña, with the confidence of someone who has navigated Hollywood’s choppy waters for decades, offered nuanced perspective on the film’s intentions. “For me, the heart of this movie was not Mexico,” she clarified with measured conviction. “We weren’t making a film about a country. We were making a film about four women who could have been Russian, Dominican, Black from Detroit, from Israel, from Gaza—universal women struggling against systemic oppression while seeking their authentic voices.”
In a gesture that blended humility with artistic conviction, the actress extended an invitation for cultural dialogue: “I’m always open to sit down with all my Mexican brothers and sisters with love and respect, having a great conversation on how ‘Emilia’ could have been done better.”
The evening marked a personal milestone for Saldaña, completing an impressive awards season sweep following triumphs at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, Critics Choice, and Screen Actors Guild ceremonies. Her victory carries historical significance as she becomes the first American of Dominican heritage to receive an Academy Award—a fact she acknowledged with familial reverence.
“My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams, dignity, and hardworking hands,” Saldaña reflected, emotion threading through her carefully chosen words. “I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last.”
The competitive category featured an array of first-time nominees including Monica Barbaro (“A Complete Unknown”), Ariana Grande (“Wicked”), and cinema legend Isabella Rossellini (“Conclave”), alongside Felicity Jones (“The Brutalist”), who had previously received a nomination in 2015.
In a moment of philosophical reflection that seemed to encapsulate her decades-long journey through Hollywood, Saldaña offered perspective that resonated beyond the controversy: “Realizing it’s not about the win—when you learn to let that go—the day that you do win, you just have a deeper appreciation for it. You appreciate every moment that has led you here.”
As the night’s celebrations continued, Saldaña’s words lingered as a reminder that even in triumph, the intersection of art and cultural representation remains delicately balanced on the world stage.
