“Emilia Pérez” star Zoe Saldaña became flustered and started swearing upon realizing that her speech at the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Awards was coming to an end.
The actress won Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Rita Mora Castro, a lawyer who helps a Mexican drug cartel kingpin undergo so-called “gender-affirming” surgery.
During her acceptance speech, she called the film a “creative challenge of a lifetime” and said it “defies categorization” before thanking many cast members by name, including trans-identifying actor Karla Sofía Gascón, who has been at the center of controversy due to contentious tweets he posted in years past.
Then Saldaña realized her time was up and said, “Oh my God, I’m getting a countdown, “F***, f***, f***,” before rushing to mention more people.
“Films are supposed to change hearts and challenge minds. And I hope that ‘Emilia Pérez’ did something like this, please, because voices need to be heard,” Saldaña said in conclusion.
Later, the actress told journalists in the winners’ room that there was “one last thing” she didn’t have a chance to say onstage about her trans-identifying relative being an inspiration. “He is the reason — they are the reason — I signed up to do this film in the first place,” Saldaña said, per Variety. “So as the proud aunt of a trans life, I will always stand with my community of trans people.”
“Emilia Pérez” received the second-most nominations at this year’s BAFTAs with 11 total, including best film, director, best actress for Gascón, and best supporting actress for Selena Gomez. Gascón did not attend the event due to the current controversy.
The musical drama leads the Oscars race with the most nominations – 13 total – but its chances of winning have been hindered by the drama surrounding Gascón’s old social media posts. Gascón is up for the Academy Award for Best Actress but has been uninvited from promotional events leading up to the ceremony on March 2.
Best Director nominee Jacques Audiard publicly disavowed Gascón and said his actions were “inexcusable,” complaining that the controversy was “taking up all the space” in regards to the movie. However, when Audiard nabbed the Best Director award at the BAFTAs, he thanked, “My dear Karla Sofia, that I kiss.”
Gascón’s controversial social media posts included critical statements on Islam, George Floyd, and diversity at the Oscars.
