Zoe Saldana’s Controversial Views on Black Identity Resurface Amid Golden Globe Win

Award-Winning Actress’s Remarks on Ethnicity and Identity Spark Outrage

Zoe Saldana, 46, has a new career milestone to celebrate after winning Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role for her latest film at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards. Her first Golden Globe win notably marked the only success of a person of African background during the ceremony held on January 6 in Beverly Hills.

Zoe Saldana’s controversial Views on being black about her identity resurface as (Photos by Gage Skidmore/Flickr)

Saldana’s remarks on ethnicity and identity sparked outrage on social media, with many calling out her previous comments on being black. In a 2014 interview on “The Queen Latifah Show,” Saldana said, “I cannot wait until the word ethnic is erased from our everyday vocabulary.”

She explained her feelings were rooted in the fact that “in America, everything that’s not ‘American’ is ethnic, but outside of America everything that is American is ethnic. So in reality there’s no such thing as being darker or lighter when in reality you’ve just been this way your whole life.”

Baby, she don’t even see herself as black hence had a nose job before Drumline. But until she does right by Nina Simone I am always going to give her side eye for doing that….

— Monique (@mo_wils805) January 6, 2025

A second critic tweeted, “Baby, she don’t even see herself as black hence had a nose job before Drumline. But until she does right by Nina Simone I am always going to give her side eye for doing that….”

Admittedly, a few years ago she was caught in a digital vortex of backlash for her portrayal of Nina Simone in the 2016 biopic. Among the expressions of outrage were comments condemning Saldana for wearing a prosthetic to make her nose appear wider and body makeup that was several shades darker than her natural complexion.

All this she said tht in an interview after Center Stage was a hit she has always identified as Latina & only adding Afro-Latina later. Was affronted whn referred to as a BW. They can miss us w tht she didn’t wnt our association so y must AA prop her up let the Latino comm do so.

— Kris Hazard (@elainoharris) April 16, 2023

In 2020, the “Avatar” star expressed regret for taking on the role. “I should have never played Nina,” she said. Adding that she “should have done everything in my power with the leverage that I had 10 years ago…to cast a Black woman to play Nina Simone.”

Speaking to the press at the awards ceremony, Saldana said, “There was a moment a couple of years ago where I was sort of thinking about plan B’s. Like, do I go into a homestead and start planning a garden and baking goods? But the truth is I’m an artist through and through, and I need to create every day. If not, I just don’t know what I can do.”

Just got mad all over again. https://t.co/NZBsbS8aOR pic.twitter.com/8JF98EHLxv

— Princess | Mindfulness | Conscious Parenting (@themultiplemom) April 21, 2024

The actress was equally polarizing when she suggested that her success in the sci-fi genre with films like “Star Trek” was in part due to the fact she is not viewed as a Black woman.

I get to imagine the unimaginable,” she said. “Science fiction has given me the ability as an artist to be colorblind and gender-blind and to imagine and reinvent myself and be the chameleon actors are supposed to be,” Saldana explained.

Conclusion

Zoe Saldana’s Golden Globe win has sparked a renewed debate about her views on black identity and her previous controversial comments. While some have praised her talent and success, others have criticized her for her remarks and the way she has represented black women in the media.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Zoe Saldana say about ethnicity and identity?
A: In a 2014 interview, Saldana said she cannot wait until the word “ethnic” is erased from our everyday vocabulary, and that she believes there is no such thing as being darker or lighter.

Q: Why did Saldana’s comments spark outrage?
A: Saldana’s comments were seen as dismissive and insensitive to the experiences of Black people, and her previous portrayal of Nina Simone was criticized for being inaccurate and disrespectful.

Q: Has Saldana apologized for her previous comments?
A: In 2020, Saldana expressed regret for taking on the role of Nina Simone and acknowledged that she should have done everything in her power to cast a Black woman in the role.

Q: What is the controversy surrounding Saldana’s Golden Globe win?
A: Some have criticized Saldana’s win as being a symbol of the lack of representation and recognition for Black women in the entertainment industry. Others have praised her talent and success, but also criticized her for her previous comments and the way she has represented Black women in the media.