In a night filled with emotion and historic moments, Zoe Saldaña took home her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez at the 97th Oscars. The actress, known for her work in blockbuster franchises, delivered a heartfelt speech that paid tribute to her immigrant family, her Dominican roots, and the power of storytelling.
A Triumphant Moment
With tears in her eyes, Saldaña took the stage and called out to her mother: “Mami! Mami!” Overcome with emotion, she expressed gratitude to the Academy for recognizing the strength and quiet heroism of her character, Rita. “Thank you to the Academy for recognizing the quiet heroism and the power in a woman like Rita. My fellow nominees, the love and community you have offered me is a true gift, and I will pay it forward.”
Presenting the award was last year’s Best Supporting Actress winner, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who praised Saldaña’s fearless performance.
“You took us on a journey—one that made us question the limits we put on ourselves. And then you showed us exactly how to break them. You are fearless, and it is so inspiring to watch.”
A Season of Success
Saldaña’s Oscar win is the crowning achievement of an already impressive awards season. Earlier this year, she won her first Golden Globe, followed by victories at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), Critics Choice Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards.
During her acceptance speech, she reflected on her family’s journey, acknowledging her grandmother’s immigration to the U.S. in 1961.
“I am a proud child of immigrant parents, with dreams, dignity, and hardworking hands. And I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. I know I will not be the last.”
A Standout Performance in ‘Emilia Pérez’
Saldaña played Rita Castro, a struggling lawyer hired by a Mexican drug lord to facilitate gender-affirming surgery. That drug lord ultimately becomes Emilia Pérez, portrayed by Best Actress nominee Karla Sofía Gascón—the first openly transgender actor nominated for an Oscar. The film, directed by Jacques Audiard, earned 13 nominations but also faced controversy due to past remarks by Gascón and criticisms regarding its portrayal of Mexican culture.
Saldaña, who showcased her vocal and dance talents in the Spanish-language narco-musical, addressed the cultural significance of the film.
“The fact that I am getting an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish—my grandmother, if she were here, she would be so delighted.”
Despite her win, some critics questioned whether Saldaña was in the correct category, arguing that she had more screen time than Gascón. However, she remained focused on the film’s core message. In a previous speech at the SAG Awards, she said, “I believe everybody has the right to be who they are, and Emilia Pérez is about truth and love. Now more than ever, actors have a responsibility to tell stories that are beautiful, thought-provoking, and uphold artistic freedom.”
A Legacy of Iconic Roles
With a career spanning nearly 25 years, Saldaña has made a name for herself in some of Hollywood’s biggest franchises. She has portrayed Uhura in Star Trek, Neytiri in Avatar, and Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy films.
Now, with an Oscar to her name, Saldaña has added yet another milestone to her illustrious career. Her win not only marks a personal victory but also paves the way for more representation of Latina actresses at the Academy Awards. As she stood on stage, holding the golden statue in her hands, her message was clear: dreams, hard work, and dedication know no limits.
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