Zoe Saldaña made history on March 2, 2025, at the Oscars, walking away with the coveted Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in *Emilia Pérez*.
The 46-year-old actress took the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, visibly moved and overwhelmed by the honor.
As she approached the microphone, Saldaña began her acceptance speech with an emotional shout-out to her family,
waving to her mother in the audience and saying, “Mami! Mami!” before expressing her deep gratitude,
“My mom is here; my whole family’s here. I am floored by this honor.”
Saldaña, who has built a storied career across numerous franchises and dramatic roles, acknowledged the significance of her win.
She proudly proclaimed, “I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hardworking hands, and I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last. I hope.” The powerful statement resonated not only with the audience but also with those who saw her as a trailblazer in Hollywood, representing her Dominican roots at the highest level of achievement in the film industry.
Her journey to the Oscar was marked by a series of other prestigious wins, including accolades from the Golden Globe Awards, BAFTA Awards, Critics Choice Awards, and the SAG Awards, all of which positioned her as the frontrunner in the Best Supporting Actress category. Saldaña’s portrayal of Rita, a lawyer who aids the main character in securing a gender-affirming surgery in *Emilia Pérez*, a Spanish-language musical and crime drama, was widely acclaimed. The role highlighted her versatility and commitment to complex, meaningful performances.
Saldaña also dedicated her accolades to her nephew, Eli, a deeply personal connection that she had previously discussed during her BAFTA Award acceptance speech. She revealed, “He is the reason, they are the reason, I signed up to do this film in the first place. So as a proud aunt of a trans life, I will always stand with my community of trans people.” Her involvement in a project that tackled transgender issues and celebrated representation was both heartfelt and powerful, showcasing her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices within the entertainment industry.
In the same category at the Oscars, Saldaña faced tough competition from fellow nominees Monica Barbaro, Ariana Grande, Felicity Jones, and Isabella Rossellini. Barbaro, known for her role in *A Complete Unknown*, earned recognition for portraying Joan Baez in the Bob Dylan biopic. Grande, who received widespread attention for her portrayal of Glinda in *Wicked*, also brought her immense popularity as a pop singer to the big screen. Meanwhile, Jones, nominated for *The Brutalist*, and Rossellini, recognized for *Conclave*, both added to the talented pool of contenders in this category.
Despite the stiff competition, Saldaña’s win was seen as a landmark moment for the industry. It was not only a recognition of her outstanding talent but also a symbol of increasing diversity and representation in Hollywood. Her victory broke barriers, especially as the first American of Dominican origin to win an Academy Award in this category, underscoring the importance of inclusion in cinema.
Following her win, Saldaña’s acceptance speech and her reflection on the importance of immigrant experiences resonated deeply with many in the entertainment industry and beyond. She also paid tribute to her husband, Marco Perego, thanking him for his support and even giving a nod to his “beautiful hair,” a moment that brought laughter and warmth to her emotional speech.
Saldaña’s recognition at the Oscars was not just a personal triumph but a victory for the broader conversation about diversity and the representation of underrepresented communities in Hollywood. Her role in *Emilia Pérez*, as well as her heartfelt and historic acceptance speech, further cemented her place as one of the most influential and trailblazing actresses of her generation.
The win was also significant for *Emilia Pérez*, which led the 2025 Oscar nominations with 13 nods, including for Best Picture, and firmly established the film as one of the year’s most important cinematic achievements. With this win, Zoe Saldaña’s legacy in Hollywood continues to grow, inspiring future generations of actors from all backgrounds to pursue their dreams and break down barriers along the way.
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