Wow, what a moment! Zoe Saldaña, the powerhouse actress of Dominican descent, has just snagged her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, all thanks to her jaw-dropping performance in Emilia Pérez. With this win, Zoe isn’t just adding an Oscar to her trophy shelf; she’s putting the Dominican Republic front and center on the global cinematic stage.
In Emilia Pérez, Zoe plays Rita Mora Castro, a lawyer who gets caught up in the harsh world of a Mexican cartel. The plot takes a turn when the cartel leader asks her for help to disappear and restart his life in a woman’s body, and let’s just say that Zoe’s character puts it all on the table: her acting, singing and dancing skills are on full display.
At just ten years old, Zoé began teaching at a renowned dance academy and today all the work during all these years is reflected, the actress continues to show that dreams come true and that is why today she is part of the cast of great films.
Saldaña, born in Passaic, New Jersey, lived from 10 to 17 years old in Santo Domingo and then moved to New York. She has said that she would have liked to live on that Caribbean island when she was younger. Today, due to her career, she lives happily in Los Angeles.
She says that she grew up in a very mobile environment with her mother and two sisters, as well as her stepfather. She says that her family has been nomadic and is not tied to social, political or religious stigmas. Her father died when she was four years old and together with her sisters and mother they created a fortress, where “it didn’t matter where we lived and we fell wherever we went, like cats,” says the young woman who would like to lead one day.
With nearly 25 years of incredible work under her belt, Zoe is no stranger to iconic roles. From Star Trek as Uhura, “Avatar” as Neytiri, and in various Marvel Universe films as Gamora in Avengers: Endgame, Avengers: Infinity War, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vols. 1-3. In addition, she recently brought to life the character of Joe in the series Special Ops: Lioness.
Upon accepting her Oscar, Zoe dedicated her win to her family, saying, “Mom, Dad, to my sisters who are here, everything brave, outrageous, and good I have done in my life is because of you.” “My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am a proud child of immigrant parents, with dreams and dignity and hardworking hands, and I am first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. And I know I won’t be the last.”
Even the president of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, joined the celebration, sharing his pride on social media: “I congratulate you Zoe Saldaña for becoming the first Dominican to win an Oscar. Your talent and dedication exalt our nation, thank you for carrying our flag high. You are a #DominicanPride!”
Zoe’s win is more than just an award—it’s a beacon of hope and motivation for all of us. Especially for the new generations, this is proof that dreams can come true, no matter where you come from. So, let’s continue to celebrate her incredible talent and her journey.
What are your thoughts on Zoe’s big win? And how do you feel about the growing representation of Latin culture in Hollywood? Drop your comments in our social media—let’s keep the conversation going! 🏆 🕴 🎬 🎥
