Zoe Saldaña continued her stellar awards season by taking home the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role award at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, held on February 23, 2025, at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.
Sporting a stunning Saint Laurent gown, complete with rhinestone-embellished details, Saldaña dazzled on the red carpet, accentuating her look with elegant diamond jewelry, including drop earrings and a chainmail-like bracelet. Stylist Petra Flannery curated her breathtaking appearance, adding to her reputation as a fashion-forward actress throughout this awards season.
Saldaña's achievements this season have been remarkable. She has gathered accolades with wins at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, and BAFTAS for her portrayal of Rita, a Mexico City lawyer, in the film "Emilia Pérez." Many industry experts regard her as the leading contender for the upcoming Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her SAG win all the more significant.
During her acceptance speech, Saldaña expressed gratitude to the SAG-AFTRA organization for its support, saying, "To be in this room is a true honor. This is my community. This is my circus." She took the opportunity to reflect on her first experiences with the union, stating, "Thank you to SAG-AFTRA. I got my first SAG card in 1998. I didn’t even know what SAG was."
Saldaña's heartfelt address also touched on themes of community and inclusivity within the industry. "I am proud to be part of a union... Everyone has the right to be who they are," she declared, urging her fellow actors to embrace their unique stories. Her emotional words captured the assembly, reinforcing the idea of collaboration and support among peers.
One of the most poignant moments of her speech came when she emphasized the importance of storytelling and artistic expression, noting, "Emilia Pérez is about truth and love and us actors really have to tell stories..." Such sentiments resonate deeply, especially at a time when diverse narratives are gaining broader visibility.
Adding to the significance of her win is the backdrop of the awards season, which is rife with discussions about inclusivity and representation. Just days earlier, Saldaña had distanced herself from the controversy surrounding her co-star Karla Sofía Gascón, who faced backlash over resurfaced offensive comments. Saldaña responded to the situation with grace, stating, "It makes me really sad because I don’t support and I don’t have any tolerance for any negative rhetoric." Her commitment to positivity within the industry and the messages conveyed through her work were apparent during her acceptance speech.
Looking forward, Saldaña's momentum heading toward the Oscars is undeniable. If she wins there, she will join the ranks of other acclaimed actresses like Ariana DeBose and Jennifer Hudson, who have swept the awards season. Given Saldaña’s previous wins this season, the expectation is high for her performance at the Oscars, with her film "Emilia Pérez" likely to shine. The Netflix release is not only positioned for Best Supporting Actress but also competes for accolades like Best International Feature and Best Song for "El Mal," guaranteeing Saldaña’s presence at the heart of the awards spotlight.
Her recognition at the SAG Awards signifies not just personal triumph but also the importance of authenticity, representation, and storytelling within the industry. With the Oscars looming just around the corner, all eyes will be on Zoe Saldaña, as both fans and critics eagerly anticipate whether she will clinch the prestigious award once again proving her prowess as one of Hollywood's leading talents.