- Zoe Saldaña wins Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, a groundbreaking Spanish-language musical.
- Her performance in the song “El Mal” also helped the film win Best Original Song at the Oscars.
- Saldaña reflected on her Dominican heritage in her acceptance speech, dedicating the win to her grandmother.
Zoe Saldaña made history at the Academy Awards, winning Best Supporting Actress for her riveting performance in the Spanish-language musical, Emilia Pérez. Her role as Rita, a struggling lawyer in Mexico City, captivated audiences and critics alike. Rita’s journey takes a dramatic turn when she helps Emilia Pérez, a drug cartel boss played by Karla Sofía Gascón, rebuild her life after undergoing gender-affirming surgery.
“El Mal” Steals the Spotlight
One of the film’s defining moments is the song “El Mal”, during which Saldaña’s character boldly confronts corrupt politicians at a gala. This standout performance earned the Oscar for Best Original Song, cementing Saldaña’s role as the heart of the film.
Zoe Saldaña gets emotional accepting the best supporting actress #Oscar for her performance in #EmiliaPerez pic.twitter.com/5h7fw2GhlH
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 3, 2025
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A Personal Triumph for Saldaña
In her acceptance speech, Saldaña reflected on her Dominican heritage and her grandmother’s legacy. “The fact that I’m getting an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish—my grandmother would be so delighted,” she shared.
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Emilia Pérez led the Oscars with 13 nominations, but controversy dimmed its awards buzz. A journalist unearthed past racist remarks from Gascón, sparking backlash. Netflix shifted its campaign to focus on Saldaña’s performance, a decision that paid off.
Fierce Competition in a Tough Category
Saldaña triumphed over strong contenders, including Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown), Ariana Grande (Wicked), Felicity Jones (The Brutalist), and Isabella Rossellini (Conclave).
What do you think about Zoe Saldaña’s big win? Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word by sharing this article on The Dupree Report!
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