Zoe Saldaña, renowned for her leading roles in blockbuster franchises like Avatar, Star Trek, and Guardians of the Galaxy, has recently expressed her feelings about the oft-overlooked contributions of actors who deliver performances through computer-generated imagery (CGI). Speaking candidly with The Independent, she lamented the recognition issues facing performers who, through their artistry, push the boundaries of traditional acting.
With her role as Neytiri, the fiercely loyal Na'vi warrior from Avatar, Saldaña exemplified how CGI and live-action performance can blend seamlessly to create iconic characters. Despite her performance garnering significant praise, it seems the industry and many awards bodies still struggle to embrace this evolution. Saldaña put this sentiment plainly: “Old habits die hard, and when you have old establishments, it’s really hard to bring forward change.”
This struggle is particularly evident during awards season. Saldaña pointed out the factually disappointing reality for CGI-heavy performances—where hours dedicated to bringing characters to life can often be overshadowed by the very effects used to achieve them. While she acknowledged the talented teams behind the technology, Saldaña also made it clear she knows the distinction between the contributions of performers versus technicians, stating, “I know the difference between [performance] and what we did.”
The actress's frustration extends beyond herself; she feels it is emblematic of a larger issue within the film industry, one where the dedication and effort of actors can be minimized. Despite recognizing the challenge, she admitted, “It is quite deflATING when you give 120 percent of yourself,” and only to be disregarded by the very bodies tasked with celebrating artistic achievements.
Currently, Saldaña is poised for academic acclaim with her latest film, Emilia Pérez, which has positioned her as an Oscar contender for Best Supporting Actress. The role has not only brought her back to the limelight but also signifies the culmination of her career—a span of twenty-five years—where she has continuously strived to showcase her talent. “I can’t tell you what this moment means to me,” she remarked, highlighting the significance of such recognition after years of hard work becoming more visible.
Her experience echoes the visible trend within the industry concerning the acknowledgment of performances buoyed by visual effects. While films like Avatar have seized several Oscars, including accolades for cinematography and visual effects, the acting contributions have remained glaringly absent, raising questions about the criteria used by awards organizations. Even with James Cameron campaigning for her inclusion, the outcome was unfortunately predictable.
Yet, Saldaña remains undeterred. Though she might feel the sting of oversight, her love for acting remains steadfast. “At some point, you have to ask yourself: why is it I do what I do? Is it so others can give me approval? Or is it because I don’t want to do anything else?” This inquiry serves as her guiding light, propelling her forward regardless of the accolades.
Looking to the future, Saldaña will not only reprise her role as Neytiri for upcoming Avatar sequels but promises to continue forging the path for actors leveraging visual effects. She stands at the forefront of this conversation, serving as both advocate and artist, determined to navigate through the murky waters of recognition surrounding CGI performances.
Through her unwavering passion and resilience, Zoe Saldaña is showing the film industry, and audiences alike, the importance of appreciating every facet of artistic performance—even those hidden behind layers of technology.
