Zoe Saldaña, the celebrated actress known for her roles in blockbuster hits such as Avatar and Avengers: Endgame, is set to receive the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation at the upcoming 45th London Critics’ Circle Film Awards. This recognition celebrates Saldaña’s noteworthy contributions to the film industry over the past 25 years, highlighting her performances and her role as Rita in the critically acclaimed film Emilia Pérez.
The award ceremony will take place on February 2, 2024, in London, where Saldaña will become the second recipient of this annual award, named after the esteemed critic Derek Malcolm, who passed away in August 2023. Following the inaugural recipient, Colman Domingo, Saldaña’s recognition emphasizes the impact of her work and the respect she garners within the film community.
“I’m honored and thrilled to receive the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation from the London Film Critics’ Circle, a group I greatly admire and respect,” Saldaña expressed, reflecting her gratitude for the recognition. She noted, “This has been a wonderful year for film with so many remarkable and indelible roles for women. To have had the opportunity to work in this industry for 25 years has been a privilege, and to perform the role of Rita in Emilia Pérez has been the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Aside from her accolades, Saldaña is nominated for the Supporting Actress of the Year for her role in Jacques Audiard’s musical drama, underscoring her versatility and range as an actress. Having emerged as one of Hollywood's leading actresses, her career expansion has solidified her A-list status, making her recognizable not just for her talent, but also for her impactful narratives and storylines.
Rich Cline, chair of the London Film Critics’ Circle, stated, “Critics have long been fans of Zoe Saldaña’s groundbreaking work. From her astonishingly nuanced turns in genre pieces like Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy to her role producing complex female narratives, she has consistently pushed the envelope.”
Saldaña’s stellar achievements were recently highlighted when she won the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, where she performed alongside co-stars Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz. This prestigious award illustrated her powerful presence and uncompromising commitment to her craft.
Not one to shy away from innovation, Saldaña is also recognized for her efforts as a producer, bringing diverse narratives and honest portrayals of women to the screen, as seen with her participation in the TV series Special Ops: Lioness and her recent film The Absence of Eden, which addresses themes of trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border. Her work beyond acting enhances the depth of storytelling within the industry and speaks to her dedication to complex narratives.
Outside her roles, Saldaña has expressed her eagerness to perform songs from Emilia Pérez at the Oscars alongside Selena Gomez, showcasing her passion for performance extends beyond acting. She revealed to Variety, “I would only do it— and I’m not pitching something, I’m just inspiring ideas— if we start it with ‘El Mal', we go to ‘Mi Camino’ and end with [singing from ‘Las Damas que Pasa’], ‘Dedico este poema’ with a Mexican comparsa coming out to make it a beautiful homage to Mexico.” Her enthusiasm highlights her artistic vision and how she intends to honor her cultural roots and the film’s narrative through music and performance.
Zoe Saldaña’s career continues to flourish, with her accomplishments spanning over two decades as she breaks new ground and tackles significant roles. With each new project, her influence on both the film industry and the representation of women is poignant and strong. This upcoming recognition at the London Critics’ Circle Film Awards is merely another milestone on her illustrious career path, one undoubtedly filled with promise and innovation for the future.
