At the 97th Academy Awards held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the spotlight fell on the film Emilia Pérez and its leading lady, Zoe Saldana, who took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Directed by the esteemed Jacques Audiard, this musical drama intertwines themes of identity, transformation, and the complexity of human relationships against the backdrop of the Mexican drug cartel.
Saldana won acclaim not only for her performance but also for her heartfelt acceptance speech, where she teared up as she expressed gratitude to the Academy. “Mom! My mom is here!” she exclaimed, eliciting applause from the audience. Saldana continued, “This honor fills my heart. Thank you to the Academy for recognizing the strength of quiet heroes like Rita,” the character she portrayed, who aids the titular character, Emilia, in her transformation.
The film, nominated for 13 categories, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay, faced stiff competition from others like The Brutalist and Anora. Despite its strong nominations, the film's reception was mixed, especially concerning its cultural representation of Mexico, which has led to discussions surrounding the portrayal of sensitive issues.
Among the ceremony's highlights was Saldana's poignant reflection on her roots and identity. She shared, “My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I’m proud to be the first Dominican American to win this award, but I know it’s not the last. My grandmother would have been proud to see me receiving this award, performing and speaking Spanish,” emphasizing her pride as she took the stage.
The film is based on the novel Écoute by Boris Lajon, telling the story of the brutal transformation of a male drug lord who undergoes gender reassignment surgery to escape his past. The character, beautifully brought to life by trans actress Carla Sofía Gascón, navigates the complex waters of her identity amid the chaos of her past life as Manitas, the drug kingpin. The film has been praised for its bold storytelling and emotional depth, but not without criticism, especially concerning the casting and portrayal of Mexican culture through the lens of French filmmaking.
Throughout the ceremony, there were other notable speeches criticizing the socio-political climate affecting immigrants, echoing sentiments against the previous administration's stance on immigration. Saldana's remarks also reflected this, as she acknowledged the struggles of immigrant families, articulately addressing the audience about her pride and heritage intertwined with the film’s narrative.
“We need stories like these,” she stated, encapsulating the film’s essence and the importance of representation on such prominent platforms. The audience responded with cheers, and the moment highlighted the significance of diversity and inclusion within film.
Despite the accolades, Emilia Pérez went home without taking the night’s top prize for Best Picture, which many pundits had predicted based on previous award show performances. Instead, the night belonged to Anora, which walked away with the most accolades, leaving some to speculate on how Oscar voting patterns and public perception influence outcomes, particularly with sensitive topics at play.
The film’s music, crafted by the duo Camille and Clément Duboc, was another point of discussion during and after the awards. The film features captivating numbers performed by Saldana herself, which have been recognized for their catchy and emotive qualities, adding yet another layer to the complex narrative of the film. This engaging soundtrack reflects the character's turbulent emotions and the vibrant yet challenging life depicted within the narrative.
Outside of the awards, reactions from audiences, both domestic and overseas, highlighted the diverging perspectives on the film's message. While many praised it for addressing difficult topics like gender identity and human rights within the framework of crime and redemption, others expressed concern about the sensationalism associated with portrayals of violence and crime.
Saldana's performance has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of actors portraying complex identities, especially within works directed by individuals outside of the cultures represented. Critics insist on the necessity for authenticity and integrity when telling stories with deep cultural significance.
Despite the mixed responses, Emilia Pérez has succeeded at least on the performance front, with Saldana's move to deliver her lines and songs predominantly in Spanish seen as both groundbreaking and heartwarming by many fans, earning her recognition far beyond the Academy.
Overall, the 97th Academy Awards symbolized not just recognition for individual performances but also the shifting dynamics of storytelling within film. The conversations catalyzed by Emilia Pérez reflect broad societal concerns about representation, love, loss, and finding one’s voice against formidable odds.
With the blend of cultural worlds, the cover of themes such as friendship and the burdens of past lives, the film stands as both entertainment and conversation starter, highlighting the courage needed to embrace different identities and confront societal issues head-on.
This year’s Oscars may signal new avenues for discourse on how stories about marginalized communities can and should be told moving forward, especially within the industry as it continues to navigate the waters of inclusive cinema. While the night didn't end with all the accolades for Emilia Pérez, the films, speeches, and conversations have paved the way for more inclusive ideas and stories to penetrate the mainstream cinematic narrative.