Zoe Saldaña made a significant mark at the 2025 Academy Awards, capturing the Oscar for 'Best Supporting Actress' for her role in the film Emilia Pérez. Beyond the accolade for her performance, it was her powerful acceptance speech that truly stood out, as she proudly celebrated her Latin roots and the journey of immigrants in the United States.
With a voice filled with emotion, she began her speech in Spanish, exclaiming, "¡Mami, Mami!" as she acknowledged her mother and family in attendance. Saldaña expressed deep gratitude and pride in her heritage, declaring, "I am the proud daughter of immigrant parents with dreams, dignity, and hard-working hands," highlighting her Dominican background.
The actress emphasized the importance of Latin representation in the film industry, stating, "I am the first American of Dominican descent to accept an Academy Award, and I know I won't be the last." She also shared that her grandmother would have been thrilled to see her win an award for a role where she could speak and sing in Spanish. "This is for my grandmother," she concluded, her voice breaking with emotion.
The audience erupted in applause, creating one of the night's most touching moments. Among the crowd, her husband, Italian producer Marco Perego-Saldaña, was visibly moved to tears as she spoke. Known for her roles in major franchises like "Avatar," "Avengers," and "Guardians of the Galaxy," Zoe Saldaña has been one of Hollywood's most successful actresses. With this Oscar, she further solidifies her position as a beacon for the Latin community in the film industry.
In a ceremony where political references and advocacy speeches were sparse, Saldaña's words resonated powerfully.
Key Moments from Zoe Saldaña's Oscar Speech
What role did Zoe Saldaña win the Oscar for?
Zoe Saldaña won the Oscar for 'Best Supporting Actress' for her role in the film Emilia Pérez.
How did Zoe Saldaña emphasize her heritage during her speech?
She proudly declared herself the daughter of immigrant parents and highlighted her Dominican roots, expressing gratitude and pride in her heritage.
Why was her speech considered one of the most emotional moments of the night?
The audience gave a standing ovation, and her husband was moved to tears, highlighting the emotional impact of her words and the significance of her win for the Latin community.