Zoe Saldaña Wins Her First Oscar for Emilia Pérez

By Sandy Conners | Editoril credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / shutterstock.com 

Zoe Saldaña made history at the 97th Academy Awards by winning the Best Supporting Actress Award for her powerful portrayal of Rita in the Spanish-language musical crime comedy film Emilia Pérez. This marks her first-ever Oscar nomination and win, and the achievement is particularly significant as Saldaña became the first American of Dominican origin to win an Academy Award.

A Brief Background on Zoe Saldaña

Born on June 19, 1978, in Passaic, New Jersey, Zoe Saldaña was raised in a family with strong cultural roots. Her mother, a Dominican, and her father, who was Puerto Rican, introduced her to a rich blend of Latin and American cultures. Saldaña was drawn to the arts from an early age and studied ballet, jazz, and modern dance before pursuing a career in acting.

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She first rose to prominence in 2000 with her role in the teen drama Center Stage, where she portrayed Eva, a gifted dancer. However, her breakthrough roles in Avatar (2009) as Neytiri and Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) as Gamora solidified her place in Hollywood as one of the most versatile actresses of her generation. Saldaña’s ability to bring depth and strength to her characters and her dedication to diversity and representation have made her a trailblazer in the film industry.

Zoe Saldaña’s Groundbreaking Role in Emilia Pérez

In Emilia Pérez, Saldaña plays Rita, a lawyer who assists the title character—a trans cartel boss—in undergoing gender-affirming surgery and transitioning into a new life as a woman. The film blends elements of crime, comedy, and musical genres, with Saldaña’s portrayal of Rita pivotal to the story’s emotional depth. Her role required a nuanced performance that dealt with the challenges of supporting someone in a high-risk situation and the personal growth of embracing identity and transformation.

Saldaña’s performance was met with widespread acclaim for its emotional resonance and sensitive handling of complex themes. This role earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, marking her first Oscar win.

A Historic Oscar Win

Zoe Saldaña’s Oscar victory was a momentous occasion for her career and the film industry. By becoming the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar, Saldaña’s win serves as a milestone in Hollywood’s ongoing effort to increase diversity and representation. Before beginning her emotional acceptance speech, Saldaña shouted, “Mami! Mami!” and waved at her mother through tears before telling the crowd, “My mom is here; my whole family’s here. I am floored by this honor.”

After an emotional speech that honored her team and family (including husband Marco Perego and his “beautiful hair”), Saldaña said, “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.” She also dedicated the award to all those “who are rewriting their own stories and embracing their truth.”

Zoe Saldaña’s Impact on Film

Saldaña’s career has been defined by her ability to take on strong, multifaceted roles that resonate with audiences worldwide. As the fierce warrior Neytiri in Avatar or the emotionally complex Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy, Saldaña has shown a remarkable range in her acting. With her Oscar win for Emilia Pérez, she has again proven her versatility, taking on an emotionally challenging and socially significant role.

What’s Next for Zoe Saldaña?

With this Oscar win, Zoe Saldaña’s career is set to continue its upward trajectory. She will reprise her role as Neytiri in the upcoming Avatar sequels and will likely take on even more diverse and impactful roles in the future. Her Oscar win ensures that her influence in Hollywood will grow, inspiring future generations of actors, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

Significant Moment

Zoe Saldaña’s win at the 2025 Academy Awards is significant in her career and the larger conversation about representation and diversity in Hollywood. Her portrayal of Rita in Emilia Pérez was a masterclass in acting, and her win solidified her place among the industry’s elite. As she continues to break barriers and take on bold, new roles, Saldaña’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire and empower those who follow in her footsteps.

  Emilia Pérez