At the 2025 Oscars, one moment stood out to the audience: the recognition of Zoe Saldanha’s performance in Emília Pérez. The film had been met with mixed reviews, especially surrounding the controversial portrayal of Mexico and its culture, but there was no denying Zoe’s exceptional talent. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, a prestigious honor that many felt was not only deserved but long overdue. Her victory was met with a standing ovation, reflecting the appreciation from her peers and the industry for her impeccable performance in the film.

Many were quick to praise her acting skills and the emotional depth she brought to her role, making it clear that her award was well-earned. Her ability to disconnect herself from the film’s controversies and deliver such a strong performance was widely regarded as one of the key elements of her success. People around her celebrated her not just for her work on Emília Pérez but for her overall career and the contribution she has made to the arts.

However, there was a noticeable shift in the atmosphere during her acceptance speech. While Zoe’s recognition was celebrated, a subtle shift occurred when she mentioned the director of Emília Pérez. The applause, which had been loud and enthusiastic, seemed to falter slightly when she spoke about the film’s direction. Some speculated that the mixed reception surrounding the film’s portrayal of Mexican culture had influenced the tone of the evening. The film’s director, who had been criticized for allegedly not researching enough about the culture, was a controversial figure. His statements regarding his disregard for certain cultural elements were seen as dismissive, and this was a point of contention for many.

Moreover, Zoe’s speech was notably lacking mention of Carla Sofia Gascon, one of her co-stars who had faced her own backlash due to past offensive social media posts. While Zoe had previously addressed Gascon in other public forums, she chose not to name her during the Oscars, which some interpreted as a deliberate distancing. This decision to focus solely on the general cast and the film’s production was seen as a way to avoid further controversy. Given the sensitive nature of the criticisms surrounding the film and its key players, Zoe’s omission raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about the tensions on set and behind the scenes.

The controversy surrounding Emília Pérez had become unavoidable, especially after the film’s director made inflammatory statements about the cultural research process. He was reported to have said that he didn’t think it was necessary to delve deeply into the culture he was portraying. This comment was widely perceived as disrespectful, especially given the sensitivity around cultural representation in film. As a result, the film’s critics felt that the project lacked a thoughtful approach to the portrayal of Mexican identity, which led to significant backlash.

Zoe’s decision to stand by the film, despite the growing controversy, was a testament to her belief in the artistic integrity of her work. However, she also made it clear that she was open to discussing how the film could have been improved in terms of cultural accuracy and sensitivity. This openness to dialogue was seen as a positive step, especially in an industry where misunderstandings and cultural missteps often go unaddressed.

The pressure on Emília Pérez had been mounting, especially in the wake of the controversy surrounding Carla Sofia Gascon’s past social media activity. Gascon had been criticized for her previous posts, which were seen as offensive towards Muslims, George Floyd, and the topic of diversity at the Oscars. This resurfaced material led to public scrutiny and calls for accountability. Despite her subsequent apology, the damage was done, and it seemed as though her involvement in the film could not be easily overlooked.

In light of these tensions, it was clear that Netflix had made strategic decisions to shift the focus of the film’s promotional campaign. After the controversy erupted, the streaming platform began to emphasize Zoe’s involvement in the project more prominently. Posters, trailers, and other promotional materials were altered to place Zoe at the forefront, with the intention of distancing the film from the negative associations surrounding Carla Sofia Gascon. It was a calculated move that ultimately paid off when Zoe took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

The response from the industry was equally telling. As Zoe stood on stage accepting her award, it was evident that the film’s success was not just about Emília Pérez itself but also about Zoe’s resilience and the recognition of her long-standing contributions to the entertainment world. Her ability to carry the film, despite the controversies, was seen as a significant accomplishment. Many felt that she had single-handedly shouldered the weight of the film’s complicated reception and had emerged victorious, both as an actress and as a symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity.

The win for Zoe Saldanha marked a pivotal moment in her career. It was not just a personal victory but also a win for the film industry’s recognition of talented women of color who have long been underrepresented in major award categories. Zoe’s win at the Oscars was a sign that talent could transcend controversy and that an artist’s dedication to their craft could be acknowledged, even when the project itself faced challenges.

Looking forward, the conversation around Emília Pérez and its portrayal of Mexican culture will likely continue. The film’s controversies surrounding its depiction of a particular culture were not easily dismissed, and the critiques of the director’s approach to cultural research are unlikely to fade. However, Zoe Saldanha’s role in the film remains a testament to her skill and ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters. While the backlash against the film may have overshadowed some aspects of its success, Zoe’s performance stood as a shining example of artistic excellence in an otherwise turbulent environment.

In the end, Zoe’s victory was more than just about winning an Oscar. It was about the journey she had taken to get to that moment—one marked by perseverance, dedication, and a commitment to her craft. It was also a reminder of the complexities involved in cultural representation in cinema and the responsibility that filmmakers and actors have in ensuring that their work is respectful, thoughtful, and inclusive. While Emília Pérez may have sparked controversy, Zoe’s performance proved that great art can still rise above the noise, earning its place in history, regardless of the challenges it faces along the way.