Information Americas, New York, NY, March 11, 2025: Dominican American actress Zoe Saldaña made historical past on the 97th Annual Academy Awards on the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, by turning into the primary Dominican American to win an Oscar. Saldaña received Greatest Supporting Actress for her position in Emilia Pérez, marking a big milestone in her illustrious profession.
Overcome with emotion, Saldaña tearfully devoted her award to her household and heritage, proudly acknowledging her immigrant roots. “My grandmother got here to this nation in 1961. I’m a proud baby of immigrant dad and mom with desires, dignity, and hardworking arms. I’m the primary American of Dominican origin to just accept an Academy Award, and I do know I received’t be the final,” she declared.

The acclaimed actress, 46, praised her mom, father, and sisters in her speech. “The whole lot courageous, outrageous, and good I’ve ever finished in my life is due to you,” she mentioned. She additionally gave a heartfelt tribute to her husband, Marco Perego, saying, “The largest honor in my life is being your companion.”
Saldaña performed Rita Mora Castro, a high-powered protection legal professional, in Jacques Audiard’s musical crime movie Emilia Pérez. She had dominated the awards season, securing wins on the Golden Globe, BAFTA, Critics’ Alternative, and SAG Awards earlier than claiming her first Oscar.
The movie entered the Academy Awards with a record-breaking 13 nominations, probably the most ever for a foreign-language movie. Regardless of controversies surrounding the movie, together with backlash over offensive social media posts by its star, Karla Sofía Gascón, Emilia Pérez made a powerful affect, starting its journey on the Cannes Movie Competition, the place Saldaña, Gascón, and co-stars Adriana Paz and Selena Gomez collectively received Greatest Actress.
Saldaña, recognized for her impeccable pink carpet presence, surprised in a wine-colored Saint Laurent robe designed by Anthony Vaccarello and styled by Petra Flannery. The look featured a strass bodice, washed double satin skirt, sheer satin gloves, and a press release neckline, complementing her signature radiant glow.
Talking to E! on the pink carpet, Saldaña credited her vogue group, saying, “I simply have to point out up brilliant and early and in nice spirits.”
With this win, Zoe Saldaña cements her place in Hollywood historical past, proving that illustration and expertise can break limitations. She triumphed over nominees Monica Barbaro (A Full Unknown), Ariana Grande (Depraved), Felicity Jones (The Brutalist), and Isabella Rossellini (Conclave).
Saldaña, who made her performing debut in 1999 on Regulation & Order: Particular Victims Unit, has since constructed a powerful profession spanning blockbusters like Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Star Trek. Her Oscar win now solidifies her as a trailblazer for future generations of Afro-Latina and Dominican American expertise in Hollywood.
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