Zoe Saldana Makes History with Oscar Win for ‘Emilia Perez’

Zoe Saldana won the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role in “Emilia Perez” at the 2025 Oscars. Her emotional acceptance speech highlighted her heritage, making her the first American of Dominican descent to earn this honor. She has previously won multiple awards for her performance, and “Emilia Perez” garnered 13 nominations, showcasing its critical success and cultural representation.

At the 2025 Oscars held at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, Zoe Saldana received the Best Actress in a Supporting Role award for her performance in the film “Emilia Perez.” During her acceptance speech, she emotionally acknowledged her mother and made a poignant statement about her heritage as the first American of Dominican descent to win an Academy Award. Comedian Conan O’Brien hosted the ceremony, further enhancing the event’s significance.

In her speech, Zoe Saldana highlighted the immigrant experience, saying, “My grandmother came to this country in 1961, I am a proud child of immigrant parents. With dreams and dignity and hard-working hands, I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last.” Her heartfelt tribute to her grandmother underscored the importance of cultural representation in Hollywood.

Notably, Saldana has already garnered accolades for her role in “Emilia Perez,” including a BAFTA, Golden Globe, Critics Choice award, and a SAG Award for Supporting Actress. Along with her co-stars, who previously won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, her recognition marks a notable triumph in her career.

She competed for the Oscar against other talented actresses, including Ariana Grande from “Wicked,” Isabella Rossellini from “Conclave,” Felicity Jones for “The Brutalist,” and Monica Barbaro, who played Joan Baez in “A Complete Unknown.” Saldana’s achievement demonstrates her exceptional talent and the growing diversity in the film industry.

“Emilia Perez” is also a strong contender at the Oscars, receiving nominations in 13 categories, including Best Picture and Best Director, alongside Saldana’s accolades. The film has already claimed two awards, Best Supporting Actress and Original Song, showcasing its critical acclaim and impact within the Academy Awards framework.

Zoe Saldana’s Oscar win highlights her significant achievement as the first American of Dominican descent to receive such an honor, emphasizing the importance of cultural representation. Her emotional acceptance speech reflects her immigrant background and pays tribute to her grandmother, marking a milestone not only in her career but also in the broader context of diversity in the film industry. With substantial nominations for her film, it underscores a pivotal moment for representation in cinema.

Original Source: www.indiatvnews.com