Zoe Saldaña made headlines this year as she accepted her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film Emilia Pérez during the 2025 Oscars held on March 2, 2025. With tears of joy streaming down her face, Saldaña delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech, expressing her deep love and gratitude for her husband, Marco Perego-Saldaña, and their three children.
During her emotional speech, Saldaña thanked Perego-Saldaña, calling him out for his long, luscious hair, and shared the honor she felt being his partner. "To my husband, with his beautiful hair, the biggest honor of my life is being your partner. You hung the moon for our beautiful, perfect sons, Cy, Bowie, and Zen; they fill our skies every night with stars," she said as the camera panned to Perego-Saldaña sitting among the audience with pride. Saldaña's acknowledgment of her family highlighted the importance of their support throughout her career, especially during the demanding award season.
Saldaña's Oscar win is particularly significant as she became the first Dominican American actress to receive this honor. "My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am a proud child of immigrant parents,” she stated, weaving her personal history with her professional achievement. She continues to inspire many by proudly representing her roots and celebrating her family's legacy, echoing this sentiment throughout her Oscar night.
Born on June 19, 1978, Zoe Saldaña is no stranger to hard work. She has built a successful career with major roles across blockbuster franchises like Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy. Her performance as Rita Mora Castro, a lawyer assisting a transitioning drug lord, has been praised by critics and earned her several nominations throughout award season, including wins at the Golden Globes and BAFTAS, culminating with her Oscar victory.
Saldaña's relationship with Marco Perego-Saldaña has intrigued many fans since they first met on a flight to New York in 2013. "I just saw him from behind. It was 6:30 in the morning, I was on the flight to New York. I can't even describe the vibe I felt," she shared about the moment they connected. Fast forward to soon after meeting, they wed at a small, romantic ceremony attended by close friends and family. Since then, they have embraced their partnership wholeheartedly, even blending their names as both adopted each other's last names—marking their bond as equals.
The couple is parents to three sons, twins Cy Aridio and Bowie Ezio, born November 2014, and their youngest son, Zen Anton Hilario, born in 2017. Zoe has been vocal about taking time off her acting career to focus more on being present for her children's school life. "I would like to take my kids to school every day and pick them up this year," she told reporters following her Oscar win, emphasizing the resilience her family has shown throughout her acting commitments.
Media and fans have witnessed Saldaña making public appearances with her sons throughout the awards season. Just weeks before the Oscars, she appeared at the 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival alongside her children, Tom and Bowie, where she held the American Riviera Award for her outstanding achievements. Her sons have also joined her at the Golden Globes, showcasing her commitment to involving her family during her career celebrations.
Zoe Saldaña is clearly aware of the significance of family support, especially reflected upon during her acceptance speeches. Alongside her husband and children at the Oscars, she took a moment to express gratitude to her parents and sisters, noting, "To my mom, my dad, and my sisters... everything brave, outrageous, and good I've ever done is because of you." Saldaña’s approach of including her family during such pivotal moments resonates with many, showing admiration and love for those who have supported her ascent within the film industry.
Saldaña's family dynamic is one often praised by fans, with many reflecting on how they have built their life together. Their solid partnership has become synonymous with admiration on social media, with followers describing their relationship as envy-worthy and showcasing snippets of their family life and love. It’s not just her roles on-screen, but this authentic connection to her family off-screen, showcasing how integral they have been to her success.
Having shared her incredible moment with Marco and their children, Zoe Saldaña solidifies her position as both a talented actress and devoted mother, making significant waves both on and off the screen.