Zoe Saldaña, the renowned actress known for her impressive roles across blockbuster franchises like "Avatar" and "Guardians of the Galaxy," has clinched the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the musical drama "Emilia Pérez." The announcement was made during the 2025 Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre on March 2. Saldaña's victory follows what can only be described as a rollercoaster awards season, filled with ups and downs, media scrutiny, and controversies surrounding her film.
Saldaña's portrayal of Rita, a disillusioned lawyer entangled with members of the drug cartel, has garnered significant praise, demonstrating her ability to move beyond the glamour typically associated with Hollywood actors. Critics have noted her remarkable talent, especially highlighted during the climactic musical number "El Mal," which showcases her singing and dancing abilities alongside her emotional depth.
Despite "Emilia Pérez" facing harsh criticism, labeling it as one of the worst films, Saldaña's commendable performance stood out. The actress successfully navigated the backlash against the film thanks to her established prestige and reputation. Prior to this role, Saldaña had faced challenges breaking free from franchise work to take on more serious film opportunities. "This film was important for me, the conversations I was able to have because of it. Everything helped me grow as a person and rediscover myself as an artist," she said.
Her win was not just about talent but also about how Netflix, which distributed "Emilia Pérez," managed the campaign surrounding the actress amid controversies stemming from her co-star Karla Sofía Gascón's past social media behavior. Gascón's racially charged tweets resurfaced right before the Oscars, threatening to overshadow Saldaña's achievements. Yet, Saldaña made it clear she did not condone such rhetoric, stating, "I have no tolerance for any negative rhetoric directed at any groups." This distancing enabled the campaign to refocus on her, mitigating any potential damage to her Oscar hopes.
Given the film's thirteen nominations, there was pressure for it to secure at least one win to avoid setting the dubious record of being the worst-performing film at the Oscars, previously held by titles such as "The Color Purple" and "Momento de Decisão," which were nominated but walked away empty-handed. The stakes were high for "Emilia Pérez," and Saldaña's win contributes positively to the narrative.
During her acceptance speech, Saldaña expressed her gratitude and emotional connection to her heritage, stating, "I am proud to be the daughter of immigrant parents, with dreams and dignity, and I know I will not be the last Dominican-American to receive this award." This moment stood out as empowering not just for her, but for underrepresented communities within cinema.
Saldaña's performance competed against several notable actors, including Ariana Grande and Felicity Jones, yet many felt her portrayal was head and shoulders above the rest. The weaknesses of her competitors, as noted by critics, worked to her advantage. For example, Rossellini's minimal screen time and Ariana Grande’s anticipated performance not occurring until the 2026 awards season left them with little momentum compared to Saldaña's well-rounded and powerhouse performance.
Reflecting on her career, the actress expressed, "This honor ignited the fire within me to continue telling stories, even if they are uncomfortable but necessary to share." Not only did this win mark Saldaña's rise as a prominent contender for future awards cycles, but it also symbolized her transition from action-star to serious actress capable of delivering award-winning performances.
Saldaña's victory has opened new doors for her. Post-Oscar, she has already begun planning to return to regular family life, stating, "I want to take my kids to school every day," emphasizing her commitment to family amid her busy career. With three young boys, she has been juggling motherhood with the challenges of the film industry, and now with the Oscar win, she is eager to focus more on family.
"I was very happy; my inner child was thrilled. It’s incredible to be recognized as an artist for something I love doing," she added, highlighting the significance of this achievement not only for her but for future roles exploring complex narratives. Saldaña has successfully established herself as not only a household name but as someone willing to champion difficult stories and inspire others through her craft.
Overall, Zoe Saldaña’s Oscar win at the 2025 Academy Awards solidifies her as one of Hollywood's most respected and versatile talents. Her ability to rise above the challenges and focus on the art has earned her the respect and admiration of peers and audiences alike, making her victory not only celebratory but also indicative of her growth both as an artist and as part of the diverse contemporary film narrative.