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| Zoe Saldana took home the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in ‘Emilia Perez’ |
Zoe Saldana took home the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress on Sunday, March 2, for her compelling portrayal of a Mexico City lawyer and fixer for a reformed drug lord in the musical crime drama "Emilia Perez."
This victory marks Saldana’s first Oscar, adding to an impressive awards season that saw her win at the Golden Globes, BAFTA, and SAG Awards for the same role.
Overcome with emotion, she tearfully called out "Mommy" to her mother in the audience while accepting the award.
"I am deeply honoured," she said, her voice trembling as she acknowledged her fellow nominees for their "love and sense of community," promising, "I will pay it forward."
She expressed deep appreciation for the film’s cast and crew and became even more emotional while recognizing her family.
"Every courageous, bold, and good thing I've ever done is because of you," she said, thanking her husband, his "gorgeous hair," and their three sons.
Reflecting on her heritage, she stated, "My grandmother immigrated to this country in 1961—I am a proud child of hardworking immigrant parents who came here with dreams and dignity."
"As the first American of Dominican descent to receive an Academy Award, I know I won't be the last."
Honored for a role that allowed her to sing and speak in Spanish, she dedicated the Oscar to her grandmother.
In "Emilia Perez," Saldana plays a lawyer who helps a drug lord fake his own death and transition through gender-affirming surgery, ultimately becoming Emilia Perez, portrayed by Spanish actress Karla Sofía Gascón. In exchange, her character is handsomely compensated.
The film features Saldana performing the song "El Mal," where she critiques the wealthy elite during a charity gala.
Saldana has starred in some of the highest-grossing films ever, including "Avatar" and "Guardians of the Galaxy," further solidifying her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most accomplished and versatile actresses.
She was named Best Supporting Actress for her role as the fixer in the Spanish-language Netflix musical "Emilia Perez."
Speaking through tears, Saldana shared that her grandmother immigrated to the United States in 1961 and would have been overjoyed to see her win for a role in which she sings and speaks Spanish.
"I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hard-working hands," she said.
She also expressed gratitude for her husband, adding, "with that beautiful hair."
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Elsewhere at the ceremony, Culkin received the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in "A Real Pain," where he plays one of two cousins traveling to Poland to explore their family’s past.
"I have no idea how I got here," Culkin admitted on stage at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. "I've been acting all my life. I never felt like this was my trajectory."
Meanwhile, "Anora," a drama about a sex worker on an unexpected Cinderella-like journey, took home awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing. The award for Best Adapted Screenplay went to "Conclave," a film that delves into the secretive process of selecting a new pope.
Both films remain strong contenders for the night’s most prestigious accolade—Best Picture.
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