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Emilia Pérez continues its award-winning streak, adding more accolades at the BAFTA Awards. The film took home the award for Best International Film, and Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for her role. The Dominican-American actress took the stage to accept her award with heartfelt words.
© Stuart Wilson/BAFTA“I’m dedicating all of these awards and the film Emilia Pérez to my nephew, Eli. He is the reason — they are the reason — I signed up to do this film in the first place. So as the proud aunt of a trans life, I will always stand with my community of trans people.”
While both Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez were present at the BAFTAs, lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón was notably absent, following controversy over past racist tweets.
© Kate GreenStill, Saldaña made sure to acknowledge her in her acceptance speech: "I want to thank my incredible cast—Karla, Selena, Adriana… Films are meant to change hearts and challenge minds. I hope Emilia Pérez has done just that because voices need to be heard," she said, visibly moved.
Saldaña also took a moment to express gratitude toward her family, including her mother, Asalia Nazario, whom she credited for much of her success.
Saldaña on Navigating Backlash and CriticismIn closing, Saldaña reflected on the challenges the cast has faced, from glowing praise to intense backlash over the film’s themes.
© Gregg DeGuireShe also gave a loving shout-out to her husband, Marco Perego, and their three children:
"To my husband—you’re God’s favorite, and I hate it. But you’re beautiful. And to my kids—Cy, Bowie, and Zen—thank you," she said as she wrapped up her speech.
Saldaña on Navigating Backlash and CriticismIn closing, Saldaña reflected on the challenges the cast has faced, from glowing praise to intense backlash over the film’s themes.
© Dave Benett/BAFTA"Thank you to the critics for this incredible honor. I’m so proud to be here with my fellow nominees, whose work inspires me. Negative reviews can make us doubt ourselves, but they also teach us valuable lessons. I appreciate criticism and always take it in," said Saldaña, who is now a contender for Best Supporting Actress at the upcoming Oscars on March 2.
Saldaña's Role in Emilia PérezIn the musical crime drama, Saldaña plays Rita Mora Castro, a lawyer who helps a Mexican cartel leader undergo gender-affirming surgery. This was her first-ever BAFTA nomination, and she won against a powerhouse lineup, which included:
- Ariana Grande (Wicked)
- Felicity Jones (The Brutalist)
- Jamie Lee Curtis (The Last Showgirl)
- Isabella Rossellini (Conclave)
Director Jacques Audiard’s message to Karla Sofía Gascón
Emilia Pérez also won Best International Film, and its French director, Jacques Audiard, used his speech to acknowledge his leading actresses and extend a reconciliatory message to Karla Sofía Gascón.
© Karwai TangThrough a translator, Audiard thanked Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez and took a moment to address Gascón, who has remained silent following the backlash surrounding her controversial remarks—an act the director praised as a way to protect the film.
"Above all, I want to thank all the incredible artists who brought this film to life and who are here with us tonight," Audiard began. "My dear Zoe, my dear Selena, Giorgini, Paul, Juliet, Camille, Clement, Julia, and their team. But also you, my dear Karla Sofía—I send you a kiss. I am deeply proud of what we accomplished together. Long live Emilia Pérez!"
