Zoe Saldana Makes History at the 97th Annual Academy Awards

Breaking Barriers in Representation and Talent

March 11, 2025 – Dominican American actress Zoe Saldana made history at the 97th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, by becoming the first Dominican American to win an Oscar. Saldana won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career.

Dominican American actress Zoe Saldana accepts the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for “Emilia Perez” onstage during the 97th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 2, 2025. (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

A Heartfelt Acceptance Speech

Overcome with emotion, Saldana tearfully dedicated her award to her family and heritage, proudly acknowledging her immigrant roots. “My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams, dignity, and hardworking hands. I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I won’t be the last,” she declared.

Caribbean roots actress Zoe Saldana waves as she accepts the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for “Emilia Perez” onstage during the 97th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 2, 2025. (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

A Star-Studded Career

The acclaimed actress, 46, praised her mother, father, and sisters in her speech. “Everything brave, outrageous, and good I’ve ever done in my life is because of you,” she said. She also gave a heartfelt tribute to her husband, Marco Perego, saying, “The biggest honor in my life is being your partner.”

Saldaña played Rita Mora Castro, a high-powered defense attorney, in Jacques Audiard’s musical crime film Emilia Pérez. She had dominated the awards season, securing wins at the Golden Globe, BAFTA, Critics’ Choice, and SAG Awards before claiming her first Oscar.

The Film’s Journey

The film entered the Academy Awards with a record-breaking 13 nominations, the most ever for a foreign-language film. Despite controversies surrounding the film, including backlash over offensive social media posts by its star, Karla Sofía Gascón, Emilia Pérez made a strong impact, beginning its journey at the Cannes Film Festival, where Saldana, Gascón, and co-stars Adriana Paz and Selena Gomez jointly won Best Actress.

A Night to Remember

Saldaña, known for her impeccable red carpet presence, stunned in a wine-colored Saint Laurent gown designed by Anthony Vaccarello and styled by Petra Flannery. The look featured a strass bodice, washed double satin skirt, sheer satin gloves, and a statement neckline, complementing her signature radiant glow.

Speaking to E! on the red carpet, Saldana credited her fashion team, saying, “I just have to show up bright and early and in great spirits.”

A Legacy of Representation

With this win, Zoe Saldana cements her place in Hollywood history, proving that representation and talent can break barriers. She triumphed over nominees Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown), Ariana Grande (Wicked), Felicity Jones (The Brutalist), and Isabella Rossellini (Conclave).

Saldaña, who made her acting debut in 1999 on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, has since built an impressive career spanning blockbusters like Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Star Trek. Her Oscar win now solidifies her as a trailblazer for future generations of Afro-Latina and Dominican American talent in Hollywood.

FAQs

Q: Who is Zoe Saldana?

A: Zoe Saldana is a Dominican American actress who has won the Best Supporting Actress award at the 97th Annual Academy Awards for her role in Emilia Pérez.

Q: What is Emilia Pérez?

A: Emilia Pérez is a musical crime film in which Saldana played the role of Rita Mora Castro, a high-powered defense attorney.

Q: How many nominations did Emilia Pérez receive?

A: Emilia Pérez received a record-breaking 13 nominations at the Academy Awards, the most ever for a foreign-language film.

Q: What is the significance of Saldana’s win?

A: Saldana’s win is significant because she is the first Dominican American to win an Academy Award and she has paved the way for future generations of Afro-Latina and Dominican American talent in Hollywood.