Zoe Saldana earned her first Academy Award for best supporting actress for her performance in "Emilia Pérez," marking a stirring conclusion to her impressive awards season. On March 2, 2025, Saldaña accepted the award during the ceremony, where she emotionally acknowledged her family’s presence: "Mami! Mami! My mom is here. My whole family is here. I am floored by this honor. Thank you to the academy for recognizing the quiet heroism and the power in a woman like Rita and talking about powerful women."
Saldaña’s stellar role as Rita Castro, a struggling lawyer who helps Emilia Pérez, portrayed by Karla Sofía Gascón, transition through gender-affirming surgery, has captivated audiences and critics alike. The film, described as both politically charged and culturally significant, dominated the Oscars this year with 13 nominations, the most for any film at the ceremony. Saldaña’s performance stood out not only due to its depth but also because of her versatility as she sang the film’s standout song, "El Mal."
Reflecting on her background, Saldana stated, "The fact I am getting awarded for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish, my grandmother, if she were here, she would be so delighted." Her win places her as the first American of Dominican descent to receive this honor, which she proudly noted: "And I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. And I know I will not be the last."
The actress’s tearful speech was also filled with gratitude toward her fellow nominees and the filmmaking community. She expressed her appreciation, saying, "To my mom, my dad, and my sisters — everything brave, outrageous, and good I’ve ever done in my life is because of you." She also shared her love and respect for her husband, Marco Perego, calling it the biggest honor of her life to be his partner.
Saldaña's acceptance was made even more poignant by the mixed reception surrounding "Emilia Pérez" due to past controversial remarks by Gascón resurface just before the ceremony. Despite the distractions, Saldaña’s heartfelt portrayal and the film's message about identity and gender found their way to forefront conversations during awards season.
Prior to the Oscar win, Saldana had already received multiple accolades for her work, including wins at the Golden Globe, British Academy Film Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Her win at the SAG Awards reflected not just the performances within "Emilia Pérez," but the entire evolution of storytelling within the film industry. "I’ve never been questioned about where I come from or judged by how I speak or what my pronouns are. I believe everybody has the right to be who they are. ‘Emilia Pérez’ is about truth and love," she articulated at the SAG Awards, emphasizing the film's thematic significance.
Throughout her nearly 25-year career, Saldana has solidified herself as one of Hollywood's leading actresses, known for iconic roles such as Neytiri from "Avatar" and Gamora from the "Guardians of the Galaxy" series. With strong performances spanning various genres, her range continues to shine across film and television. Currently, she stars alongside Nicole Kidman in the Paramount+ series "Special Ops: Lioness," showcasing her talent beyond the big screen.
The combination of cultural representation and personal triumph not only fabricates another monumental chapter in Saldana’s career but also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion within Hollywood. Her acceptance speech became a rallying point for aspiring artists, particularly from underrepresented communities, inspiring them to share their truths through their own work.
With her Oscar victory, Saldana’s name is now etched alongside some of the industry’s esteemed talents, proving her resilience and dedication. Alluding to her grandmother’s aspirations for her, Saldana encapsulated the essence of her movie and its significance. "Thank you to the academy for recognizing the quiet heroism and the power in a woman like Rita. At the end of the day, it’s our stories, our people, and the love we share on stage and off-stage, which really counts."