At the 97th Academy Awards held on March 2, 2025, Zoe Saldaña won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the musical crime drama "Emilia Pérez."
In "Emilia Pérez," Saldaña portrays a Mexico City lawyer who assists a former drug lord in faking his death and undergoing gender-affirming surgery to become Emilia Pérez, played by Karla Sofía Gascón. Saldaña's performance was lauded for its depth and authenticity, earning her accolades throughout the awards season, including wins at the Golden Globes, BAFTA, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Upon receiving the Oscar, an emotional Saldaña expressed her pride in her heritage, stating, "Soy la orgullosa hija de padres inmigrantes" ("I am the proud daughter of immigrant parents"). She highlighted her grandmother's journey to the United States in 1961 and dedicated the award to her, emphasizing the significance of performing in Spanish in the film.
Saldaña's victory is historically significant, as she becomes the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar.
Her director from the "Avatar" series, James Cameron, praised her accomplishment, describing her as a "world-class performer" and expressing his joy over her win.
"Emilia Pérez" received widespread acclaim, leading the nominations with 13 nods and making history as the most-nominated non-English-language film.
Saldaña's co-star, Karla Sofía Gascón, also made history as the first openly transgender performer nominated for an acting category.
Saldaña's Oscar win not only celebrates her individual talent but also represents a broader recognition of diverse narratives and performances in Hollywood.
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