At the 2025 Academy Awards held on March 2, Zoe Saldana took center stage as she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Rita Mora in Emilia Pérez. The moment was not only monumental for her career but also deeply personal, marked by emotional gratitude expressed toward her husband, Marco Perego, and their three children.
During her acceptance speech, Saldana captivated the audience by saying, "And to my husband with beautiful hair, the biggest honor of my life is being your partner. You hung the moon in our beautiful, perfect sons, Cy, Bowie, and Zen. They fill our skies every night with stars." These heartfelt words illustrated the strong support system she has at home.
The couple has always maintained a low profile, preferring to keep much of their family life out of the public eye. They celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary last year and share three sons: twins Cy and Bowie, born in 2014, and their youngest, Zen, born in 2016. Despite their celebrities status, Saldana and Perego aim for balance, ensuring their children grow up without gender-specific roles.
Marco Perego, originally from Salò, Italy, transitioned from aspiring professional soccer player to recognized artist after sustaining an injury at 21. He moved to the U.S. with dreams of art-making, stating, "I was living [in] Spanish Harlem without money... One day I approached film producer Gilda Moratti and said, ‘Listen, look at my work, tell me what you think. If it is a joke, I will try to find something else.’” His work eventually reached major platforms like Art Basel and the Royal Arts Academy.
Their love story began unexpectedly on a flight to New York in 2013, where Saldana felt an undeniable connection. "I saw him from behind and it was one of those vibes," Saldana recounted. "I knew my heart was telling me to pursue this." They were engaged just weeks after meeting, marrying the same summer, both claiming they felt they were destined to be together.
Throughout their relationship, Saldana and Perego have supported each other's artistic endeavors. Notably, Perego directed The Absence of Eden, where Saldana starred as Isabelle, an undocumented immigrant. "I was really proud of him. He chose to create from the angle of humanity, which allows us to tell compelling stories about human experiences," Saldana said about the film and their collaboration.
Beyond their professional links, the couple has been vocal about their progressive parenting practices. Saldana insists on raising their children with gender-neutral values, where both parents share domestic responsibilities equally. She stated, "We have very gender-neutral environment where my husband participates. I think it’s important to raise boys who honor themselves and their femininity as well.” This approach aims to flatten traditional societal roles within their household.
Their commitment to equality extends beyond parenting philosophies; Perego has adopted Saldana's last name and has expressed pride in doing so. "Why should women be expected to change their name? When Marco suggested he take mine, I was shocked but moved. He respects me and my legacy," Saldana shared, reflecting cultural dialogues about surname traditions.
On the night of the Oscars, the couple's previous appearances set the stage for their big night. They were seen at various events leading up to the awards, including film promotions and red carpets, exemplifying their strong partnership. Whether attending the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony or the photo-call for Emilia Pérez in Italy, they consistently stand side by side.
Following the Oscar nomination announcement earlier in January, the family celebrated with joy. Saldana shared pictures of their celebration, featuring their children holding a cake, proudly declaring, "We’re so proud of you." This warmth at home reflects Saldana's sentiment when she expressed how her family plays a pivotal role in her creative and personal life.
Now, with the Oscar win marking the crest of her career, Saldana's roots and her blended family both with Perego resonate powerfully through her work and personal life. After years of hard work, Saldana is ready to embrace what the future holds for her and her family with grace and gratitude. Heroes at home, Marco and their sons have always been her guiding stars.