Zoe Saldana has played some of the most recognizable characters in film, from the blue-skinned Neytiri in Avatar to the green-skinned Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy. However, on Oscar night, she took center stage as herself, celebrating a role that allowed her to fully embrace her Afro-Latina identity.
“I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hard-working hands,” Saldana declared in her acceptance speech. “I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. And I know I will not be the last.”
Her performance in Emilia Pérez earned her a historic win. She joined the select group of actors who have won Oscars for non-English performances, alongside stars like Penélope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) and Yuh-Jung Youn (Minari). What makes her victory even more remarkable is that she became the first performer in 25 years to win an acting Oscar for a film nominated in the Best International Feature category—following Roberto Benigni’s win for Life is Beautiful.
A Role That Changed Her Career
In Emilia Pérez, Saldana portrays Rita Castro, a struggling lawyer who becomes entangled in the dangerous world of crime. She is hired by a feared drug lord to help him undergo gender-affirming surgery. That drug lord later transitions into Emilia Pérez, played by Karla Sofía Gascón—the first openly transgender actor to receive an Oscar nomination.
Saldana’s role required more than legal drama. She had to display exceptional versatility—acting, singing, and even rapping. One of the film’s most powerful moments occurs when her character, Rita, exposes Mexico’s elite at a lavish gala, performing a bold rap to El Mal.
Despite working in Hollywood for decades, Saldana had never acted in Spanish before. “The opportunity never really came,” she told Elle magazine. French director Jacques Audiard initially wrote Rita’s role for a Mexican man but later revised it to align with Saldana’s background. This change marked a major shift in her career.
From Sci-Fi Icon to Oscar Winner
Saldana has built her career starring in some of the highest-grossing films of all time. She has been a key figure in Avatar, Star Trek, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with four of her films surpassing $2 billion at the global box office. However, she had long sought a different kind of challenge.
“I was very much like, ‘Well, that’s okay, I’m going to dance to the beat of my own drum and I’ll go to space and I’ll be green and I’ll be blue and I’ll do all those things,'” she explained. “Then 15 years go by, and I’m yearning for that reconnection.”
That desire led her to Emilia Pérez, a film that combined music, crime, and social issues in a way that mainstream Hollywood rarely attempts. Her dedication to the project paid off, as she dominated the awards season. Before winning the Oscar, she had already taken home a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, a Critics Choice Award, and a SAG Award.
A Controversial Journey to the Oscars
Saldana’s road to Oscar night was not without controversy. Old tweets from her co-star Gascón resurfaced, sparking criticism. Additionally, some questioned whether her performance should have been nominated for Best Actress rather than Best Supporting Actress, given her significant screen time.
Despite the debates, Saldana handled the situation with poise. “I’ve never been questioned about where I come from or judged by how I speak or what my pronouns are,” she said at the SAG Awards. “I believe that everybody has the right to be who they are, and Emilia Pérez is about truth and love.”
Director Jacques Audiard also addressed the controversy, acknowledging that Gascón’s past comments “hurt others” but emphasizing that Saldana’s performance was extraordinary and deserved recognition.
What’s Next for Zoe Saldana?
Now an Oscar winner, Saldana joins the ranks of actors who have successfully transitioned from major franchises to critically acclaimed independent films. However, she isn’t stepping away from blockbuster cinema just yet.
She is set to lend her voice to Pixar’s upcoming animated film Elio, which will premiere in June. Additionally, she will reprise her role as Neytiri in James Cameron’s next Avatar installment, scheduled for release this December.
Saldana’s journey has been one of transformation, both professionally and personally. From training as a young ballet dancer in the Dominican Republic to becoming a sci-fi superstar and now an Oscar-winning actress, her career is a testament to resilience and evolution. As she tearfully dedicated her award to her grandmother on stage, she made it clear that this moment was not just about her, but about those who came before her and those who will follow in her footsteps.
