After taking home the Oscar for best supporting actress, “Emilia Pérez” star Zoe Saldaña responded to criticism of the film’s portrayal of Mexico, after a journalist shared that it has been “really hurtful for us Mexicans.”

“First of all, I’m very, very sorry that many Mexicans felt offended. That was never our intention. We spoke from a place of love,” she told press in the interview room. “I don’t share your opinion. For me, the heart of this movie was not Mexico. We were making a film about friendship. We were making a film about four women.”

She continued, “These women could have been Russian, could have been Dominican, could have been Black from Detroit, could have been from Israel, could have been from Gaza. And these women are still very universal women that are struggling every day, but trying to survive systemic oppression and trying to find the most authentic voices. So I will stand by that, but I’m also always open to sit down with all of my Mexican brothers and sisters, with love and respect, [to have] a great conversation on how ‘Emilia Pérez’ could have been done better. I welcome it.”

Earlier in the night during her acceptance speech, Saldaña highlighted her family’s history as immigrants to the United States, “My grandmother came to this country in 1961 — I am a proud child of immigrant parents. With dreams and dignity and hard-working hands, and I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last. I hope. The fact that I’m getting an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish — my grandmother, if she were here, she would be so delighted, this is for my grandmother.”

Despite drawing criticism from the Mexican and queer community through awards season, “Emilia Pérez” was the top contender at the Oscars Sunday night, leading the field with 13 nominations. Saldaña won for supporting actress, while the musical’s number “El Mal” took home original song. However, with 11 losses across all categories, the feature also tied as the all-time biggest loser in the history of the Oscars, a record shared by films like “The Color Purple” and “The Power of the Dog.”

“Anora” was the top winner at Sunday’s ceremony, with five wins including best picture. See the full list of Oscar winners here.