Zoe Saldaña Wins First Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in Emilia Pérez
Zoe Saldaña won her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. Her emotional acceptance speech highlighted her gratitude and heritage.
A Historic Win
Saldaña, a front-runner this awards season, accepted the Oscar from last year’s winner, Da’Vine Joy Randolph. The victory follows her wins at the Golden Globes, BAFTA, Critics Choice Awards, and SAG Awards.
“Mami! Mami!” Saldaña exclaimed during her speech. “My mom and my whole family are here. I am floored by this honor. Thank you to the Academy for recognizing the quiet heroism and power in a woman like Rita.”
She continued, “My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am a proud child of immigrant parents, with dreams, dignity, and hard-working hands. I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last.”
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A Role That Pushed Boundaries
In Emilia Pérez, Saldaña plays Rita Castro, a struggling lawyer who helps a Mexican drug lord transition to Emilia Pérez. Her performance blends drama, song, and dance, demonstrating her versatility as an actress. Karla Sofía Gascón, who portrayed Emilia, became the first openly transgender actor nominated for an Oscar.
Despite its 13 nominations, the film faced controversy. Gascón’s past social media comments sparked backlash, and critics debated the film’s portrayal of Mexican culture. Some questioned Saldaña’s placement in the supporting actress category, arguing her screen time surpassed Gascón’s.
A Career of Blockbuster Success
Photo via Jae C. Hong/AP Photo
Photo via Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Photo via Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Saldaña has built a career spanning nearly 25 years. She is known for major franchises, including:
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- Star Trek as Uhura
- Avatar as Neytiri
- Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy as Gamora
Looking Ahead
Saldaña believes in storytelling that challenges perspectives. At the SAG Awards, she emphasized the importance of artistic freedom. “Emilia Pérez is about truth and love. As actors, we must tell stories that are thought-provoking and beautiful.”
Her Oscar win cements her legacy and opens doors for more diverse voices in Hollywood.
More…
- https://apnews.com/article/supporting-actress-2025-oscars-5a4523804f31aecf39c38ae37c925946
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/livestory/oscars-2025-zoe-saldana-wins-best-supporting-actress-9.6668783
- https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/oscars-2025-winners-list
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