Zoe Saldaña has already established herself as a powerhouse in Hollywood, playing emotionally resonant roles in three blockbuster franchises, along with a wealth of TV and movie appearances. However, her latest project in Netflix’s innovative thriller-musical hybrid “Emilia Pérez” feels like the cherry on top of an already impressive career.
In “Pérez,” Saldaña takes on the role of Rita, a lawyer in Mexico, and showcases her talents in acting, singing, and even rapping—all in Spanish. This marks her first major role in her native language, a milestone Saldaña described as long overdue. The actress, who is of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent, told Elle Magazine that while she’s always been bilingual, the opportunity to work in Spanish simply hadn’t arisen before.
She explained, “Either the project just wasn’t the right fit for me or an Afro-Caribbean Latina wasn’t the right fit for the project.” Saldaña also acknowledged the complexities of the industry, noting that it’s a mix of honoring the director’s vision and confronting issues like colonialism and colorism in Latin America. “I was very much like, ‘Well, that’s okay, I’m going to dance to the beat of my own drum,’” she shared, reflecting on her decisions to take on iconic roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and Avatar. But as time passed, she began to yearn for a deeper connection to her roots.
Directed by Jacques Audiard and based on Boris Razon’s 2018 novel Écoute, “Emilia Pérez” follows Saldaña’s character Rita, a hard-working lawyer who wins a case but soon finds herself caught in the dangerous world of a cartel. The film opens with a captivating musical number, setting the tone for its unique mix of thriller and musical elements, with Saldaña leading elaborate sequences that blend fantasy and reality, supported by backup dancers and a vibrant cast.
In the story, Rita is drawn into the life of Manitas (played by Karla Sofía Gascón), a cartel boss who has kept a secret for years—his desire to transition into a woman. This central storyline, exploring Manitas’ transformation into Emilia Pérez, is framed by Rita’s support and the turmoil of Emilia’s disillusioned wife, Jessi (played by Selena Gomez). The film’s trio of actresses earned the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival this year.
Saldaña credited the casting directors who supported her throughout her career, calling them “amazing women who are always finding these diamonds in the rough.” She reflected on their importance in helping her land roles, even when some directors hesitated about casting her. “Where would I have been if it weren’t for these women?” Saldaña said, expressing gratitude for the mentors who pushed her forward.
“Emilia Pérez” is currently streaming on Netflix. It offers audiences a dynamic new performance from Saldaña, whose multifaceted portrayal continues to redefine her already celebrated career.