Synopsis
Zoe Saldana, acclaimed Hollywood actress, won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in 'Emilia Perez'. During her emotional acceptance speech, she honored her cast, family, and particularly her grandmother, reflecting on her immigrant roots and the significance of her achievement.Key Takeaways
- Zoe Saldana wins Best Supporting Actress Oscar.
- Her role in 'Emilia Perez' is celebrated.
- Emotional tribute to family, especially her grandmother.
- Film received 13 Oscar nominations.
- Faced challenges during awards season.
Los Angeles, March 3 (NationPress) Hollywood star Zoe Saldana has taken home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of an attorney for a cartel leader in Jacques Audiard’s 'Emilia Perez'.
Upon accepting the award, she delivered a heartfelt tribute to the cast and her family, as reported by Variety.
Saldana expressed her gratitude to the 'Emilia Perez' ensemble during her Oscar acceptance speech, stating, “Thank you to the Academy for recognizing the quiet heroism and strength in a woman like Rita, and for highlighting powerful women. Jacques, you hold a cherished place in my life. I appreciate your curiosity about these women and for telling their story. This award belongs to my cast and crew of ‘Emilia Perez.’”
As per Variety, she became emotional while speaking about her family, particularly her grandmother, shedding tears during her address. “My grandmother immigrated to this country in 1961, and I proudly represent the child of immigrant parents,” she shared. “With dreams, dignity, and hard work, I am the first American of Dominican descent to receive an Academy Award, and I hope to not be the last. The honor I receive for a role where I sang and spoke in Spanish would have brought immense joy to my grandmother if she were here today; this moment is for her,” she added.
The actress also won the SAG Award for Supporting Actress for 'Emilia Perez', along with a BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice Award.
Last year, she shared the title of best actress with her co-stars Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Karla Sofia Gascon at the Cannes Film Festival premiere.
'Emilia Perez' received 13 Oscar nominations, the highest of any film this year. However, despite Saldana's accolades, the Spanish-language musical faced challenges this awards season. Gascon faced backlash for offensive tweets, leading to apologies, while Audiard was criticized for his comments on Spanish as the language of “poor people and migrants,” and for misunderstanding Mexican culture and trans narratives.
At the Oscars, Saldana was nominated alongside Monica Barbaro (who portrayed Joan Baez in 'A Complete Unknown'), Isabella Rossellini ('Conclave'), Felicity Jones ('The Brutalist'), and Ariana Grande ('Wicked').
