interview by JANA LETONJA

Mexican actress Adriana Paz is best known for her role in ‘Rudo y Cursi’, a film for which she received her first nomination for the Ariel Award for Best Supporting Actress, and ‘Las horas muertas’, a film for which she received the award for Best Actress at the Morelia International Film Festival in 2013. Some of her other roles include ‘Vis a vis’, ‘Coyote’, and ‘Rebelion’. Most recently, she starred in the Academy Award nominated film ‘Emilia Perez’, for which she won “Best Actress” at the Cannes Awards.

earrings MIU MIU
dress ARKATHA
coat and gloves ALFREDO MARTÍNEZ
shirt and tie CALDERONI

You’ve had an incredible journey in the film industry, from your early days at the College of Theatre to winning prestigious awards. What first drew you to acting?

I felt attracted to the theatre, cinema and dancing since I was a little girl. The magic of the stage, the costumes, the music, the movements, the emotions that every artistic manifestation had in me brought the desire to being able to provoke that in others.

You’ve worked in both Mexican and international productions. How has your experience differed between the two, and what have been some of the biggest challenges?

I believe the difference has probably more to do with the kind of projects than the markets per se, or if it's an independent project or not, because that's most likely what affects the kind of stories told, the characters, the aproach to such stories, the relationship between actor/director, etc. And as for the challenges, it varies depending on the project.

Winning your first Ariel Award for ‘La Tirisia’ must have been a defining moment in your career. How did that recognition impact your professional path?

It was a great moment and yes, it was important for the development of my career. In a job when you are constantly put to test, having this type of recognition provides you with meaningful support and visibility.

earrings ELISHEVA&CONSTANCE
dress ARKATHA
jacket ALFREDO MARTÍNEZ
turtleneck ZARA

earrings DANGELO
glasses LOEWE
sweater LA PETIT MORT
tights IANN DEY

For your role in ‘Emilia Perez’, you won Best Actress at Cannes. How does it feel to be the first Mexican actress to receive that honor?

⁠I'm still in awe, but above all, so grateful because as you just mentioned, it's a great honor to have been the first Mexican actress to be distinguished with this award.

What was it like working on ‘Emilia Perez’, with such a talented cast and crew?

It was great having the opportunity to work with such an outstanding team.

earrings ELISHEVA&CONSTANCE
dress ARKATHA
jacket ALFREDO MARTÍNEZ
turtleneck ZARA

The film was nominated for 13 Academy Awards, and has won 2 of them. What do you personally believe contributed the most to such success of the film?

I think it's because the film is so out of the box, with a very bold vision and so well acted.

The film industry is constantly evolving. What are your thoughts on the growing international presence of Latin American cinema?

⁠I think it's very refreshing to see our stories being told from our own nuanced perspective.

full look NEITHAN HERBERT
jewelry UNODE50

As a Mexican actress gaining global recognition, do you feel a responsibility to represent Latin American culture and talent on the world stage?

⁠Instead of responsability, perhaps I'd say I appreciate the opportunity to be able to portray characters with depth that allow me to explore the human condition from a different cultural point of view.

You’ve worked with some of the most talented directors and actors in the industry. Is there someone you still dream of collaborating with?

So many come to mind, so to pick just one I'd say Queen Viola Davis.

What can you share with us about your upcooming projects?

⁠Right now, I'm working on a new film directed by Diego Luna, and afterwards, I will start shooting ‘Animals’ directed by and starring Ben Affleck.

earrings ELISHEVA&CONSTANCE
dress ARKATHA
jacket ALFREDO MARTÍNEZ
turtleneck ZARA

TEAM CREDITS:

talent ADRIANA PAZ
photography MARCELA CERBÓN
styling DEIN V
makeup LUCIA GOMEZ
hair ARTURO VALDÉS
photography assistance LEO RAMÍREZ
styling assistance ALONDRA VALENZUELA
production BERNARDO CARREÑO
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA

IN CONVERSATION WITH ADRIANA PAZ

IN CONVERSATION WITH CHRIS FOLKENS

IN CONVERSATION WITH HEYOON