Zoe Saldana made history on March 2, 2025, by winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Rita Mora Castro in the film ‘Emilia Pérez.’ The ceremony held at the prestigious 2025 Academy Awards showcased Saldana’s emotional response to the announcement, celebrating her win not just for personal achievement but as a milestone for representation.
Competing against prominent names such as Monica Barbaro for ‘Um Completo Desconhecido,’ Ariana Grande for ‘Wicked,’ Felicity Jones for ‘O Brutalista,’ and Isabella Rossellini for ‘Conclave,’ Saldana’s victory was widely anticipated, especially after securing wins at the Golden Globe and Critics Choice Awards.
On stage, Saldana delivered heartfelt words reflecting on her proud immigrant heritage. “I am proud to be the daughter of immigrant parents, who came to America with dignity and hard work... I am the first Dominican actress to win an Oscar. And I won’t be the last,” she stated, highlighting her background and expressing her hopes for future generations.
‘Emilia Pérez,’ directed by Jacques Audiard, tells the poignant story of Rita, who feels stifled by her law firm’s corrupt practices and gets involved with Juan Del Monte, the head of a Mexican cartel, aiming to transform his life. This role not only highlighted Saldana's acting prowess but also marked her first Oscar nomination after over two decades of work in Hollywood.
During her emotionally charged acceptance speech, Saldana dedicated her award to her grandmother, sharing, “If my grandmother were here, she would be thrilled.” She also thanked her family, mentioning, “Thank you for this wonderful hair you have,” directed at her husband, Marco Perego, standing by her side. “The greatest honor of my life is to be your partner, you have blessed me with wonderful children,” she added, showcasing the personal significance of this achievement.
‘Emilia Pérez’ was not just a narrative of Rita’s struggles but also mirrored broader societal dialogues, especially surrounding immigration and identity. The film faced scrutiny for controversies tied to co-star Karla Sofía Gascón, who attracted criticism on social media for past insensitive comments. Nevertheless, the film earned recognition for its powerful performances, with Saldana’s standing out as groundbreaking.
Writing history, Saldana’s Oscar win serves as both recognition of her talent and amplification of voices within the Latino community, particularly Dominican representation. Her triumph resonates with many aspiring artists who see their narratives mirrored on this grand international stage.
The 2025 Oscars are notable not only for Saldana’s win but also for the movie industry's gradual shift toward diverse storytelling, illustrating how artists of various backgrounds enrich cinema. It embodies hope for future creators and performers, allowing for more inclusive stories to emerge.
Saldana's remarkable win is expected to inspire discussions within the industry and beyond, encouraging inclusivity and bridging gaps among diverse communities. Hers was not merely a personal achievement; it’s part of creating space for others to join her at the table, making her victory all the more significant.