On March 2, 2025, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles became the stage for a historic moment at the 97th Academy Awards, as Zoe Saldaña claimed the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. Playing Rita Mora Castro, a resolute and emotionally layered Mexican lawyer, Saldaña outshone formidable competitors like Ariana Grande from Wicked, Isabella Rossellini from Conclave, Felicity Jones from The Brutalist, and Monica Barbaro from A Complete Unknown. Her win capped an impeccable awards season, with victories at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice, BAFTA, and SAG Awards, cementing her as the undeniable frontrunner. Directed by Jacques Audiard and distributed by Netflix, Emilia Pérez also made history with a record-breaking 13 nominations for a non-English-language film, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón. In Brazil, the film debuted on streaming platforms and at the Festival do Rio in October 2024, where Saldaña’s intense and authentic performance in this crime-drama-musical hybrid exploring identity earned widespread acclaim.
The triumph marks Zoe Saldaña’s first Oscar, a milestone for an actress long known for blockbuster roles in Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy, now celebrated for a deeply personal project. Her character, Rita, serves as the narrative backbone, aiding a cartel boss in faking his death and transitioning genders.
Another standout element was the cultural significance. At 46, born in New Jersey to Dominican parents, Saldaña became the third Latina actress to win an acting Oscar, following Rita Moreno and Ariana DeBose, spotlighting Latin representation in global cinema.
A season of total dominance
Zoe Saldaña arrived at the Oscars with an unparalleled run, sweeping every major precursor award for Best Supporting Actress, a rare achievement that underscored her commanding presence in the race.
Despite facing talented nominees like Ariana Grande and Felicity Jones, her consistent wins throughout the season made her victory at the Dolby Theatre almost a foregone conclusion.
The power of Rita Mora Castro
Playing Rita Mora Castro in *Emilia Pérez demanded a unique commitment from Zoe Saldaña. The character, a fast-talking Mexican lawyer, anchors the story, guiding Manitas, portrayed by Karla Sofía Gascón, through his transformation into Emilia Pérez. With 57 minutes and 50 seconds of screen time—43.69% of the film—her decision to compete as a supporting actress sparked category fraud debates, yet it didn’t overshadow her impact.
Performed in Spanish, the musical showcased Saldaña’s native fluency and dance skills, evident in numbers like “El Mal,” blending energy and emotion. Brazilian audiences at the Festival do Rio praised her ability to shift seamlessly between humor, tension, and vulnerability, making Rita unforgettable.
Her chemistry with Gascón, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz, who shared the Best Actress prize at Cannes, was a highlight. Saldaña’s dynamic presence tied the film’s varied tones together, earning her accolades from viewers and critics alike.
Zoe Saldaña’s road to Oscar glory
Zoe Saldaña built a career spanning over 25 years before lifting her first Oscar. Born on June 19, 1978, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Dominican parents, she started as a dancer before her film debut in Center Stage in 2000. Her roles as Neytiri in Avatar and Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy made her one of Hollywood’s highest-grossing actresses, with films amassing over 15 billion dollars worldwide.
Though commercially successful, awards recognition eluded her until Emilia Pérez. The film offered a platform to showcase her emotional depth, shifting her from action star to an Oscar-winning performer in a dramatic musical.
The awards season brought hurdles, including a controversy over old tweets from Karla Sofía Gascón. Saldaña navigated it with grace, focusing on her craft and the film’s message, which bolstered her path to the Dolby Theatre.
Overcoming controversy in the campaign
The Emilia Pérez campaign hit turbulence when resurfaced tweets from Gascón, containing racist and Islamophobic remarks, emerged post-Oscar nominations. The backlash threatened the film’s momentum, but Saldaña stood firm, advocating for its inclusive spirit while keeping her performance in the spotlight.
At the Dolby Theatre, her win was met with a standing ovation, signaling that voters prioritized her work over the controversy. Her acceptance speech emphasized teamwork with Audiard and the cast, reinforcing the film’s core values.
Milestones in Zoe Saldaña’s triumph
Zoe Saldaña’s journey to the Oscar unfolded through key moments that solidified her dominance:
- May 2024: Emilia Pérez premiered at Cannes, earning ashared Best Actress prize with Gascón, Gomez, and Paz.
- January 2025: Won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress, beating Ariana Grande.
- February 2025: Secured Critics Choice, BAFTA, and SAG Awards, achieving a rare sweep.
- March 2, 2025: Took home the Oscar at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
These achievements highlight her flawless awards season run.
Standout features of her winning role
Saldaña’s portrayal of Rita Mora Castro excelled due to distinct strengths:
- Fluent Spanish delivery, adding authenticity to rapid-fire dialogue.
- Dance-driven “El Mal” number, tapping into her ballet roots.
- Seamless blend of comedy, drama, and raw emotion in one role.
- 57 minutes and 50 seconds of screen time, topping her category peers.
- Strong synergy with Gascón, Gomez, and Paz, anchoring the film’s heart.
These qualities underscored her commanding presence and versatility.
A boost for Latin cinema visibility
Zoe Saldaña’s win resonates as a milestone for Latin cinema. At 46, she joins Rita Moreno (West Side Story, 1961) and Ariana DeBose (West Side Story, 2021) as the third Latina acting Oscar winner. Emilia Pérez, with its record 13 nominations, stands as the most-nominated non-English-language film in Oscar history, amplifying Latin talent globally.
In Brazil, warm reception at the Festival do Rio showcased the story’s universal appeal. Saldaña’s performance inspired local filmmakers, highlighting the value of authentic, diverse narratives.
The Oscar night also honored Flow for Best Animation and Anora for Best Original Screenplay, but Saldaña’s victory stole the spotlight in the Conan O’Brien-hosted ceremony.
A defining night at the Dolby Theatre
Stepping onto the Dolby Theatre stage, Zoe Saldaña radiated emotion, carrying 25 years of cinematic work. Her speech thanked the Academy, Jacques Audiard, and her family, emphasizing her pride as a Latina actress on such a prestigious platform.
Presented by veteran actresses, her award moment drew a thunderous ovation. The win celebrated not just her performance, but her journey from blockbuster fame to a deeply felt role in an innovative musical.