Zoe Saldaña Makes History with Her First Oscar Win for "Emilia Pérez"
A Night of Triumph and Tears
Zoe Saldaña marked a historic milestone in her career by winning her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. The ceremony, held in Los Angeles, was a culmination of an already impressive awards season for the actress, who had previously won a Golden Globe, a British Academy Film Award, a Critics Choice Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for the same role. Overcome with emotion, Saldaña took the stage, exclaiming, "Mami! Mami! My mom is here. My whole family is here. I am floored by this honor." She thanked the Academy for recognizing the quiet strength of women like her character Rita and expressed her gratitude to her fellow nominees for their support and camaraderie.
A Legacy of Representation and Pride
Saldaña’s win was not just a personal triumph but also a moment of pride for her Dominican heritage. She noted that she was the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, a fact she acknowledged with both gratitude and a sense of responsibility. “My grandmother came to this country in 1961,” she shared. “I am a proud child of immigrant parents. With dreams and dignity and hardworking hands.” Her words resonated deeply, as she emphasized the importance of representation and the journey of immigrant families who strive for a better life. Salda娜 also expressed her hope that she would not be the last to achieve such a milestone, paving the way for future generations of underrepresented talent.
The Journey of a Fearless Actress
Saldaña’s victory was well-deserved in a category filled with talented first-time nominees, including Monica Barbaro for A Complete Unknown, Ariana Grande for Wicked, Isabella Rossellini for Conclave, and Felicity Jones, who had previously been nominated in 2015 for her role in The Theory of Everything. Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who presented Saldaña with the award, praised her for taking audiences on a transformative journey, showcasing her fearlessness, and breaking the limits imposed by society. Saldaña’s speech backstage reflected her humility and passion for her craft, as she shared her philosophy on perseverance and success. “I think it’s every time I went after a part and didn’t get it,” she said. “If I don’t act and if I don’t do my art, then who am I? It’s about realizing that it’s not about the win. When you learn to let that go, it is about the work day in and day out.”
Emilia Pérez: A Film of Identity and Controversy
Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, is a Spanish-language narco-musical that tells the story of four women navigating systemic oppression and striving to find their authentic voices. In the film, Saldaña plays Rita Castro, a down-on-her-luck lawyer hired by a Mexican drug lord, who later becomes Karla Sofía Gascón’s character, Emilia Pérez, the first openly transgender actor to be nominated for an Oscar. While the film received widespread critical acclaim and led the Oscars with 13 nominations, it was not without controversy. Old offensive tweets by Gascón surfaced, and the film faced backlash for its depiction of Mexican culture. Some critics argued that Saldaña’s role was miscast, claiming she had more screen time than Gascón.
Bridges of Understanding and Respect
In response to the backlash, Saldaña addressed the concerns with grace and openness. She emphasized that the film was not about Mexico but about four women’s universal struggle for survival and identity. “These women are still very universal women, but they’re struggling every day,” she said. “They’re trying to survive systemic oppression and trying to find their most authentic voices.” Saldaña also apologized to a Mexican journalist for any offense caused by the film’s portrayal of Mexico, while maintaining that she disagreed with the notion that the film was about the country. She expressed her willingness to engage in constructive conversations with her Mexican peers, offering a message of love, respect, and collaboration. Her performance in Emilia Pérez showcased her versatility as an actress, as she took on the challenges of singing and dancing in Spanish, a nod to her heritage.
A Career of Breaking Barriers
Zoe Saldaña’s Oscar win marks a high point in a career spanning nearly 25 years, during which she has established herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and dynamic actresses. Known for her iconic roles in major franchises such as Star Trek (as Uhura), Avatar (as Neytiri), and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (as Gamora), Saldaña has consistently pushed boundaries and challenged stereotypes in her performances. In accepting her Oscar, she highlighted the importance of telling stories that celebrate identity, love, and artistic freedom. “I’ve never been questioned about where I come from or judged by how I speak or what my pronouns are,” she said. “I believe that everybody has the right to be who they are, and Emilia Perez` is about truth and love.”
As the night concluded, Saldaña’s heartfelt speech and historic win left an indelible mark on the Academy Awards. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and the power of representation, inspiring countless aspiring actors and filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds. With this milestone, Zoe Saldaña has cemented her place not only in the annals of Hollywood but also in the hearts of audiences worldwide.
