Zoe Saldaña, recognized for her dynamic performances in movies starting from science fiction epics to heartfelt dramas, achieved a big milestone in her profession by profitable an Academy Award for finest supporting actress for her position as Mexican lawyer Rita Castro in “Emilia Pérez.”
“The truth that I’m getting an award for a job the place I bought to sing and converse in Spanish — my grandmother, if she had been right here, she could be so delighted,” Saldaña mentioned in her acceptance speech. She additionally shared that her grandmother got here to the US in 1961. “I’m a proud youngster of immigrant mother and father, with desires and dignity and hard-working fingers.”
Saldaña was born on June 19, 1978, in Passaic, New Jersey, and raised in Queens, New York City. Her mother and father are Aridio Saldaña, who was Dominican, and Asalia Nazario, a Dominican with partial Puerto Rican ancestry. In an interview with Wired, Saldaña mentioned that she is 3/4 Dominican and 1/4 Puerto Rican.
Dominican President Luis Abinader took to X instantly after the actress acquired the award Sunday night time, thanking her for being a worthy consultant of Dominican tradition reported the Related Press.
“I congratulate you, Zoe Saldaña, for turning into the primary Dominican to win an Oscar,” he wrote. “Your expertise and dedication exalt our nation, thanks for carrying our flag excessive. You’re a Dominican delight,” Abinader mentioned.
Minister of Tradition Roberto Ángel Salcedo, a former movie producer, echoed the sentiment. “We’re deeply pleased with you. It’s a well-deserved recognition of your profession and your worldwide success. Bravo, Zoe!,” he mentioned in an announcement shared on social media.
Saldaña, who gained fame by her roles in iconic franchises equivalent to “Avatar” and “Guardians of the Galaxy,” has garnered a popularity for selecting characters that embody power, resilience, and depth. Her Oscar win acknowledges not solely her particular person efficiency but in addition her contributions to the business as a number one actress of colour. As a trailblazer, she has paved the best way for future generations of actors, inspiring many together with her dedication to her craft.
Saldaña has starred in 4 of the six highest-grossing films of all time, together with the highest three (Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water, and Avengers: Endgame). Movies she has appeared in have grossed greater than $15 billion worldwide and, as of 2024, she is the second highest-grossing lead actress and the highest-grossing actress overall. Time journal named her one of many 100 most influential people in the world in 2023.
Saldaña is the third Latina in Oscar historical past to win finest supporting actress.
Cowl Photograph: Zoe Saldaña Instagram
