Movies

Zoe Saldana’s Controversial Blackface Role Resurfaces After Oscar Nod

BBG News

The debate surrounding Zoe Saldana’s use of blackface has resurfaced following her receiving her first Oscar nomination recently.

The star has been given a nomination in the category of Best Supporting Actress, for her portrayal of Rita Mora Castro in the musical crime drama titled Emilia Perez.

As Zoe rejoices over her nomination, a wave of shock has swept through Twitter as memories of her blackface scandal in 2016, during the portrayal of Nina Simone in the biopic, have resurfaced once more.

The actress, with roots in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, donned a full body costume, a prosthetic nose, heavy makeup, and false teeth for her portrayal of Simone.

One enthusiast posted on Twitter a photo of Zoe from the movie, commenting: “I can’t believe she pulled off this scene, and I’ll always remember it!! Apologies.

In my exploration of cinema’s rich tapestry today, I stumbled upon an intriguing fact: Zoe Saldana portrayed the legendary Nina Simone in a film released as recently as 2016. However, what caught my attention was that she used blackface for the role. This practice, unfortunately, is not a relic of the past but a regrettable reality of our more recent cinematic history.

2016 found me in disbelief as I read about Zoe’s choice to alter her complexion for the role. Many others echoed my sentiment, expressing their bewilderment with statements such as: “Why go through all this when there are plenty of talented dark-skinned actresses available? It just doesn’t make sense…” Indeed, the pool of relevant and skilled dark-skinned actresses was far from scarce during that time.

‘mannnnnn’; ‘Can’t believe she still has a career tbh, this was crazy’; ‘No way’; ‘MY GOD’. 

‘i can’t believe she ever worked again after doing this and how hard she defended it at the time’. 

In 2012, Zoe took on a role that she filmed, but the movie wasn’t released until four years later. Upon its release, she faced criticism for her performance in the film.

In a tweet, Simone’s estate expressed disapproval over the casting choice, strongly suggesting that Zoe Saldana should stop using Nina Simon’s name moving forward.

Simone’s daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly, expressed that the project wasn’t fitting for how one would prefer their cherished family members to be honored or commemorated.

At the time when the movie came out, she acknowledged that it was a substantial learning opportunity for her.

In my perspective, I was elated that we were addressing this issue as a global community, as an American collective, and as an artistic fraternity.

In response to those casting unkind words, I assert, “Instead of resorting to anger, hostility, or judging others, let’s focus on finding solutions through understanding and positivity. Harsh words and negativity won’t bring about change.

Speaking to Allure magazine she also said: ‘There’s no one way to be black’. 

I am who I am, black in the way that I know myself. You don’t truly understand my identity. I am a black man, raising other black men. Please refrain from looking down on me with such contempt.

In a later discussion about her role in 2020, Zoe confessed that she regretted playing Nina, expressing her remorse by crying.

Crying in a Instagram live stream she admitted: ‘I should have never played Nina.

10 years ago, I should have utilized all resources available to me fully – even though they were different then – to make every effort possible to cast a Black woman as the ideal portrayal of a Black woman in a role.

She added: ‘At that time, I believed I had the authorization as I identified myself as a black woman, and indeed, I am.’

However, let me emphasize, this is about Nina – a person who lived an extraordinary life and embarked on a unique journey. Her story deserves to be told with utmost precision and respect, for she was an intricate individual. She deserved nothing less, and I am deeply sorry.

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2025-01-27 15:50

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