Oscars 2025: Zoe Saldana Wins Her First Oscar for 'Emilia Perez' -Â Zoe Saldana has won her first-ever Academy Award! She took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film Emilia Perez. This is a huge moment in her career, as it is also her first Oscar nomination.
Overcome with emotion, Saldana thanked her family, especially her mother, during her speech. "Mami! Mami! My mom is here, my whole family is here. I can't believe this is happening! Thank you to the Academy for recognizing the strength and quiet heroism of a woman like Rita. To my fellow nominees, the love and support you have shown me is a gift, and I will make sure to pass it on."
In Emilia Perez, Saldana plays Rita Mora Castro, a lawyer who helps a cartel boss transition to a new life as a woman. The film was a big success at the Oscars, earning 13 nominations. Saldana had already won awards for her performance at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Cannes Film Festival.
During her speech, Saldana shared her pride in her roots. "I am the daughter of hardworking immigrant parents. Winning an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish means the world to me. My grandmother would have been so happy to see this moment."
Despite its success, Emilia Perez has faced criticism for its portrayal of Mexican culture and the trans community. LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD expressed concerns about how the film represents trans stories. In addition, old controversial tweets from Saldaña’s co-star Karla SofÃa Gascón resurfaced, leading to backlash. Saldana responded, saying, "I don’t tolerate any negative rhetoric towards any group of people."
Regardless of the controversy, the Academy still recognized Saldaña’s powerful performance. She is also well known for playing Neytiri in Avatar and Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy. This Oscar win marks a new milestone in her already incredible career.
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