Zoe Saldaña has achieved her inaugural Academy Award, securing the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Jacques Audiard’s *Emilia Pérez*.

The musical, which narrates the tale of a transgender Mexican cartel leader portrayed by Karla Sofía Gascón, has stirred considerable debate during the awards season. Following its debut, the film encountered criticism from both trans and Mexican viewers. In spite of the negative response, it garnered 10 Golden Globe nominations—claiming four awards—and received 13 Oscar nods. The controversy intensified when past racist tweets from Gascón reemerged, leading Netflix, the film’s distributor, to disassociate itself from the lead actress to safeguard its awards campaign.

In the midst of this chaos, Saldaña rose as a prominent figure in the 2025 awards season, earning significant honors for her depiction of lawyer Rita. In addition to her Oscar, she also secured a BAFTA, a Critics Choice Award, a Golden Globe, and a SAG Award. She outshone fellow nominees Monica Barbaro (*A Complete Unknown*), Ariana Grande (*Wicked*), Felicity Jones (*The Brutalist*), and Isabella Rossellini (*Conclave*).

During her acceptance speech at the Oscars, Saldaña expressed her appreciation to director Jacques Audiard but notably refrained from acknowledging Gascón or co-star Selena Gomez. Instead, she dedicated her remarks to her family, delivering an emotional tribute.

“My grandmother emigrated to this country in 1961,” Saldaña stated. “I am a proud child of immigrant parents, with dreams, dignity, and diligent hands. I am the first American of Dominican descent to receive an Academy Award, and I am certain I will not be the last. The fact that I am being honored for a role in which I was able to sing and speak in Spanish—my grandmother, if she were present, would be overjoyed.”