SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Actress Zoe Saldaña was honored with the American Riviera Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival Wednesday Night for her phenomenal performance in Emilia Pérez, which included singing and dancing for her character.
“It just felt like I was reconnecting with parts of me... the last couple of years I had been sort of having this desire to reconnect,” said Saldaña as she accepted the award. Her heartfelt acceptance speech was met with a standing ovation from the audience at the Arlington Theater, reflecting the high regard with which she is held.
The American Riviera Award is bestowed upon actors who achieve outstanding success in American film. Saldaña joins the ranks of past recipients like Mark Ruffalo, Quentin Tarantino, Sandra Bullock, and Brendan Fraser, emphasizing her significance within the industry.
“I don’t think I’d ever seen Zoe Saldaña do these things in movies,” noted Scott Feinberg, who moderated the following Q&A session. “I knew she was a great movie star...but I didn’t know she could sing, I didn’t know she could dance.” This comment underlines the breadth of skills Saldaña displayed through her role.
Highly regarded for roles in blockbuster hits like Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Star Trek, Saldaña’s performance in Emilia Pérez is particularly notable, generating significant buzz. “This is the star of Avatar, this is the star of Guardians of the Galaxy, and she’s overdue for recognition,” said Roger Durling, Executive Director of the festival, underlining the accolades she is now receiving.
The film Emilia Pérez, featuring Saldaña, achieved remarkable success at the Academy Awards, boasting 13 nominations, including Best Picture—a historical milestone for non-English films. Saldaña is also contending for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, signifying her pivotal role in this cinematic success.
“It’s exciting... you should be open to any kind of movies if they’re good,” Feinberg remarked, reflecting the broader acceptance of diverse storytelling within the film community.
Saldaña’s co-stars, Selena Gomez and Karla Sofía Gascón, also received accolades at the festival, with the Virtuosos Awards awarded to them for their remarkable performances alongside Saldaña.
“This is just everything I had asked for, but in one story,” Saldaña expressed, highlighting the emotional fulfillment her role provided her. This sentiment resonates with many actors who find their work deeply personal and fulfilling.
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival continues to celebrate remarkable achievements within the film industry, with this year’s awards shining particularly brightly on diverse narratives and performances. Zoe Saldaña's recognition at the festival not only honors her individual talent but also reflects the industry's evolution toward embracing multifaceted stories.