Zoe Saldaña captured hearts and stole the spotlight at the 2025 Golden Globes, where she won her first major award for her role as Rita Mora Castro in the musical crime comedy, Emilia Pérez. Accepting the Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, Saldaña could hardly contain her emotions as she took to the stage, tearing up and expressing intense gratitude to those around her.
The ceremony, held on January 5, 2025, at the iconic Beverly Hilton hotel, was marked by Saldaña's heartfelt acceptance speech, during which she interrupted the music attempting to cut her off, clearly unfazed by the production’s attempt to usher her off the stage. "Thank you so much to the Golden Globes for celebrating our film and honoring the women of Emilia Pérez," she declared, thanking her family, including her mother, who was her date for the evening.
Saldaña's performance as Rita Mora Castro, a lawyer who embarks on a complex relationship with the head of a drug cartel, has garnered her the accolade among stiff competition. Emilia Pérez itself scored ten nominations, making it the most-nominated film of the night. Fellow actress Selena Gomez, who also starred alongside Saldaña, was nominated similarly, marking the film's significant presence during the awards.
Coming from humble beginnings, Saldaña remarked on the importance of such recognition, stating, "It feels really overwhelmingly beautiful. I didn’t know how much I wanted it because I stopped thinking it would ever happen for someone like me." Her emotional expressions reflect the many hurdles she has faced and the victories she has achieved.
Directed by Jacques Audiard, Emilia Pérez tells the captivating story of Rita and her entangled life with the fictional Emilia, played by Karla Sofía Gascón, as they navigate the treacherous waters of crime and identity transformation. Saldaña's character, Rita, is initially invited to help Emilia during her transition process but faces challenges throughout the narrative. Saldaña dedicated part of her speech to Gascón, exclaiming, "Eres única. Reina," emphasizing Gascón's unique talent and the collaborative spirit among the actresses.
The Best Supporting Actress race was highly competitive this year, with Saldaña sharing the spotlight with other talented actresses, but her win symbolizes not just personal achievement but also progress toward representation and visibility for women, particularly those of diverse backgrounds, within the film industry. Saldaña underscored this notion during her speech, recognizing the strength and magic of her competitors, saying, "All I have witnessed is just us showing up for each other and celebrating each other, and it’s just so beautiful."
Fashion also played its part in Saldaña's evening, as she dazzled on the red carpet wearing a stunning black gown by Saint Laurent. She exuded confidence and grace, declaring her look made her feel "really beautiful" as she embraced the moment. Styled by Petra Flannery, every detail of her ensemble was thoughtfully curated, complementing the significance of her first nomination.
After years of starring in blockbuster franchises like Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy, winning her first significant honor at such a revered ceremony marks another level of achievement, particularly when she reflects on her career path, saying, "That a girl who looks like me from Queens, New York, can also win... anybody can do it, anybody." Her words resonate deeply, especially for aspiring artists who relate to her story.
The Golden Globes ceremony kicked off the awards season with echoes of gratitude and celebration for the film and television industry. Special tributes were also paid to honored individuals such as Viola Davis and Ted Danson, adding to the celebratory air of the evening. The anticipation surrounding nominees like Emilia Pérez showcased not only the exciting stories being told but the range of experiences and backgrounds they represent.
Saldaña's win tonight is not only about her individual accomplishments but also about acknowledging the larger narrative of representation and solidarity within the industry. It proves how far the collective efforts have come to recognize diverse stories and its storytellers. Saldaña’s career continues to inspire change and is just beginning to dazzle brighter during awards season.