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May 25, 2024:Emilia Perezwins the Jury Prize atCannes.
Adriana Paz, Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascon, and Selena Gomez win Best Actress collectively.
I kinda already knew what I had to understand, he says.
First of all, Im unhappy that the film was not shot in Mexico, he says.
Secondly, why wouldnt you include more Mexican people to participate in the production?
Why not hire a Mexican production designer, costume designer, or at least some consultants?
Host Gaby Meza agrees, adding, I feel like she doesnt know what shes saying.
If she doesnt know what shes saying, she cant give her acting any nuance.
People share the gender-affirming surgery scene, reigniting the trans representation debate.
And more Mexican writers and actorscriticize the film for an othering, inaccurate view of Mexico.
Ive heard people saying its offensive to Mexico.
I really want to know why, because I didnt feel that way.
The first time that I saw it, I told Jacques, Youre a genius.
I told him the very first time that I saw him, This is controversial, Jacques.
But also, everyone has a good and a bad side.
I mean, yes, but they are also the result of a history of violence and corruption.
And maybe some of them wanted to take a stab at change.
You dont need to tear down someones work to highlight anothers.
I have never, at any point, said anything bad about Fernanda Torres or her movie.
However, there are people working with Fernanda Torres tearing me andEmilia Perezdown.
That speaks more about their movie than mine.
How can these crazy kids find their peace surrounded by the endless war between patisserie and boulangerie?
Most of the French people depicted are mimes and/or piloted by rats a laRatatouille.
How many more times will history have to expel the Moors from Spain … she writes in another.
All my life I have fought for a better world.
I believe light will always triumph over darkness.
I am a human being who also made, makes and will make mistakes from which I will learn.
I am not perfect, she says in the new statement.
Taking my words out of context or manipulating them to hurt me is something I am not responsible for.
The actress expresses her desire to provide a more extensive explanation in the future.
The more you make a run at sink me, the stronger it will make me.
The greater the victory will be, she declares.
Gascon does not appear as scheduled at anEmilia PerezQ&A in London.
At the event, Zoe Saldana acknowledges her co-stars controversial resurfaced tweets.
Thats all we can say right now.
I am neither racist nor anything that all these people have tried to make others believe I am.
According toTHR,Gascon set up the interview herself without the involvement of Netflix or the films publicity team.
Neither Gascons name nor face are included.
Instead, the marketing focus appears to have shifted to Zoe Saldana.
(Varietylater reports that this is Netflixs attempt to salvageEmilia Perezs Oscar chances.)
She vehemently denies making tweets that were racist and glorified Nazism.
Hours later, Gascon posts yet anotherInstagram statement.
In it, she thanks her supporters and theEmilia Perezteam.
Tagging dozens of outlets, she asked, How do we move forward?
February 5, 2025:Emilia Perezdirector Jacques Audiard isdistancing himselfand his film from his leading lady.
Its very hard for me to think back to the work I did with Karla Sofia, he says.
Audiard says he hasnt spoken to Gascon and doesnt want to because shes in a self-destructive approach.
He also says critiques of his depiction of Mexico are missing the point of art?
Opera has psychological limitations, he says.
It seems Im being attacked in the court of realism.
Gascon was not nominated however it was speculated she may attend the awards show in her home country.
And I would do this movie over and over again if I could.
And our awards team did an incredible campaign for that movie.
According to a source inVariety,Netflix will cover the costs of travel for Gascon to attend.
Im grateful to all those whove believed in me to Netflix, the production company and my colleagues.
We can close this beautiful and difficult path that began three years ago.
Zoe Saldana scoredBest Supporting Actressbut not without ruffling a few feathers.
I dont share your opinion.
So, I will stand by that.
It might have been interpreted as encouragement to keep going, but they eventually took a bow and left.
March 10, 2025:Sorry, you thought this would end with the Oscars?
I have my own armor, too, like anyone else.
Its not pretty, but it has saved my life a couple of times.
Gascon did apologize to all I have offended at any point in my life in her statement.
She later specifically discussed her relationship to Mexico, saying, Mexico holds an indelible place in my heart.
A world where we can learn and grow as we go.
A world where we can all put our shields aside and be ourselves.
