Zoe Saldaña is speaking out against the controversy surrounding her co-star Karla Sofía Gascón, whose past social media posts have resurfaced, drawing criticism for their offensive and Islamophobic rhetoric. The actress expressed sadness over the situation, emphasizing that the film was created with inclusivity and love.
The Spanish-language musical crime drama, directed by Jacques Audiard, received 13 Oscar nominations, making it the most nominated non-English language film in Academy Awards history. However, Gascón’s past statements have complicated the film’s awards campaign, with many in the industry grappling with how to separate the film’s achievements from the controversy.
Saldaña, who stars alongside Gascón, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Édgar Ramírez, did not comment directly on whether she had spoken to Gascón since the controversy erupted. However, she reiterated her stance against racism and bigotry, saying “I do not support any negative rhetoric of racism and bigotry towards any group of people.”
Despite the controversy, Saldaña remains hopeful that the film’s legacy will endure and that audiences will recognize the work of everyone involved. She emphasized the importance of bold storytelling and the need for filmmakers to believe in their work.
Saldaña has also spoken about the support from the Hollywood community, with multiple Academy voters expressing sympathy towards her situation. The actress acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but stressed the importance of personal growth and evolution.
As Saldaña moves forward in her career, she is focused on promoting “Emilia Pérez” throughout the rest of the awards season while navigating the complex emotions surrounding the film’s journey.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/zoe-saldana-karla-sofia-gascon-backlash-emilia-perez-oscars-1236298354