Zoe Saldana

Arts
National

'Emilia Pérez' trans narco musical actress calls for 'living our own life'

5:00am November 11, 2024

The new film Emilia Pérez follows a Mexican cartel leader (Karla Sofía Gascón) who was assigned male at birth but transitions to become her true self as a woman.

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This still is from the first trailer for Nina, starring Zoe Saldana as singer Nina Simone. This image of Saldana in dark makeup and with a prosthetic nose helped reignite a controversy over skin color and casting.

National
Arts
Music & Culture

Ta-Nehisi Coates On The Fight Over 'Nina Simone's Face'

9:26am March 19, 2016

by Leah Donnella

Many people have decried the casting of Zoe Saldana in upcoming biopic Nina, but Ta-Nehisi Coates digs deep into why this choice struck a nerve.

In this composite image, a comparison has been made between Nina Simone and actress Zoe Saldana.

Music & Culture

Saldana As Simone Resurfaces A Debate Beyond Black And White

3:05pm March 05, 2016

by Lourdes Garcia-Navarro

NPR's Lourdes Garcia-Navarro reflects on the debate over the casting of Zoe Saldana in the role of iconic jazz singer Nina Simone. Saldana wore makeup to darken her skin and look more like Simone.

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