Zoe Saldaña has officially joined the ranks of Oscar winners! On Sunday night, she took home the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, wrapping up an already stellar awards season.
An Emotional Win
As she took the stage, a tearful Saldaña couldn’t hide her joy. "Mami! Mami!" she exclaimed, acknowledging her mother in the audience. "My whole family is here. I am floored by this honor." She went on to thank the Academy for recognizing "the quiet heroism and power in a woman like Rita"—the character she portrayed in the film.
She also expressed gratitude to her fellow nominees, promising to "pay it forward" after receiving so much love and support throughout the season.
The award was presented by last year’s winner, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, making the moment even more special.
A Season of Success
This Oscar win wasn’t just a one-time victory—it was the cherry on top of an incredible awards season for Saldaña. Before this, she had already won:
- A Golden Globe (her first!)
- A BAFTA Award
- A Critics’ Choice Award
- A Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award
Her sweep across these major ceremonies cemented her as a clear favorite in the category.
A Historic Moment
Saldaña also took a moment to reflect on her journey. "My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am a proud child of immigrant parents," she shared. "And I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. And I know I will not be the last."
She was up against a competitive group of first-time Oscar nominees, including Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown), Ariana Grande (Wicked), and Isabella Rossellini (Conclave). Felicity Jones (The Brutalist) was the only previous nominee in the category.
The Role That Won It All
In Emilia Pérez, Saldaña played Rita Castro, a struggling lawyer hired by a Mexican drug lord who wants help with gender-affirming surgery. That drug lord becomes Emilia Pérez, played by Karla Sofía Gascón, the first openly transgender actor ever nominated for an Oscar.
Winning for this role meant a lot to Saldaña—not just because of the recognition but also because it allowed her to sing and act in Spanish. "My grandmother, if she were here, she would be so delighted," she said.
The Film’s Impact—and Controversy
Directed by Jacques Audiard, Emilia Pérez was a major contender with 13 Oscar nominations. However, the film sparked debate for its portrayal of Mexican culture, and its lead, Gascón, faced backlash over past offensive tweets. There was even some controversy around Saldaña’s nomination, as some critics felt she had more screen time than Gascón, who was in the Best Actress category.
Despite the debates, Saldaña stood by the film’s message. “I’ve never been questioned about where I come from or judged by how I speak or what my pronouns are,” she said in a previous acceptance speech. “Emilia Pérez is about truth and love.”
A Career-Defining Moment
With nearly 25 years in Hollywood, Saldaña has become a household name, starring in some of the biggest franchises ever:
- Star Trek (Uhura)
- Avatar (Neytiri)
- Guardians of the Galaxy (Gamora)
Now, with her first Oscar in hand, she’s added another milestone to her already impressive career.
Final Thoughts
Zoe Saldaña’s win isn’t just about one performance—it’s a celebration of her journey, her talent, and the increasing recognition of diverse stories in Hollywood. With this historic victory, she’s inspiring a new generation of actors to dream big and break barriers.