In a night filled with glamour and excitement, Zoe Saldaña took centre stage at the 97th Academy Awards. She won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the Netflix film Emilia Pérez.
ZOE SALDAÑA’S HISTORIC OSCAR WIN
This achievement marks her first-ever Oscar win and makes her the first American of Dominican origin to receive an Academy Award.
Saldaña’s emotional acceptance speech highlighted her pride in being a child of immigrant parents, according to People.
“I am a proud child of immigrant parents, with dreams and dignity and hardworking hands,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
“And I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. I know I will not be the last,” she added, inspiring hope for future generations.
ZOE SALDAÑA AND THE OSCARS
In Emilia Pérez, Saldaña plays Rita Mora Castro, a lawyer who assists the title character, a trans cartel boss. The boss undergoes gender-affirming surgery and embarks on a new life as a woman.
This role showcased her versatility as an actress and earned her critical acclaim.
The Oscars ceremony, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, was a celebration of cinematic excellence, according to NPR.
Anora dominated the night, winning five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Mikey Madison.
OTHER WINNERS
Other notable winners included Adrien Brody for Best Actor in The Brutalist and Kieran Culkin for Best Supporting Actor in A Real Pain.
Zoe Saldaña’s journey to this moment was not without challenges.
Emilia Pérez faced criticism for its portrayal of Mexican culture and the transgender experience. The LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD even labeled it as “poor trans representation”.
Additionally, controversy marred the film’s Oscar campaign when offensive tweets from co-star Karla Sofía Gascón resurfaced, according to ABC.
Despite these hurdles, Saldaña’s performance resonated with voters.
ZOE SALDAÑA’S CAREER
Zoe Saldaña is no stranger to the spotlight.
The actress is known for her iconic roles as Neytiri in the Avatar films and Gamora in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
She has captivated audiences worldwide with her recent wins at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. This further solidified her position as a leading actress.
In an interview, Saldaña expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to play a role that allowed her to connect with her heritage.
“The fact that I’m getting an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish.. My grandmother, if she were here, would be so delighted,” she said.
RESILIENCE AND DETERMINATION
She reflected on the personal significance of her win. Zoe Saldaña’s victory sends a powerful message to aspiring actors and artists from diverse backgrounds.
Her speech was a testament to the resilience and determination of immigrant families who strive for success.
As she said, “I know I will not be the last,” inspiring a new generation of artists to pursue their dreams.
For South African audiences, Saldaña’s story resonates deeply. The country’s vibrant cultural landscape is built on the strength of diverse communities striving for excellence.
A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE
As the film industry continues to evolve, Zoe Saldaña’s Oscar win marks a significant milestone.
The win highlights the importance of representation and the impact that stories can have on audiences worldwide.
With her win, she not only celebrates her achievement but also paves the way for others to follow in her footsteps.
As she continues to inspire audiences globally, her legacy as a trailblazer in the film industry is cemented.
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