Zoe Saldana Wins Oscar for ‘Emilia Perez,’ Embraces Her Afro-Latina Identity
Zoe Saldana, known for her roles in blockbuster franchises, took a bold step in her career with Emilia Perez—a performance that earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Unlike her past roles, where she transformed into blue and green-skinned characters, this time, she fully embraced her Afro-Latina heritage, speaking, singing, and even rapping in Spanish.
“I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity,” Saldana shared during her acceptance speech, adding, “I know I will not be the last American of Dominican origin to stand here.”
A Powerful Role in Emilia Perez
In Emilia Perez, Saldana plays Rita, a dedicated lawyer caught in a complex web of crime and transformation. The film follows a drug lord who fakes his own death to undergo gender-affirming surgery and live as a woman, played by Karla Sofia Gascon. Rita finds herself deeply entangled in the emotional and legal fallout, leading to a gripping storyline.
Saldana’s standout moment comes during a dramatic charity dinner scene, where she raps and dances to El Mal, exposing corruption among Mexico’s elite. The role was originally written for a male actor of Mexican descent, but French director Jacques Audiard reworked it to fit Saldana’s background.
A Journey Back to Her Roots
Born in New Jersey to Dominican and Puerto Rican parents, Saldana spent her early years in New York before moving to the Dominican Republic after her father’s passing. It was there that she developed a love for ballet, which later influenced her graceful presence on screen.
Her acting career took off with Center Stage in 2000, followed by roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Trek. However, her true rise to fame came in 2009 with James Cameron’s Avatar, followed by her portrayal of Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy.
Despite her success in sci-fi and action films, Saldana longed for roles that felt more personal. “Fifteen years went by, and I was yearning for that reconnection,” she admitted in an interview.
Looking Ahead
With an Oscar now added to her list of achievements, Saldana is set to appear in Pixar’s upcoming animated film Elio and return for the next Avatar installment in December. Her journey proves that reinvention is possible—even after conquering Hollywood’s biggest franchises.
