Zoe Saldaña has clinched the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her compelling role as Rita Moro Castro in the crime drama musical Emilia Pérez.
This marks her first Oscar win, following a series of accolades this award season, including victories at the Golden Globes, BAFTA, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
In Emilia Pérez, Saldaña portrays a Mexico City lawyer and fixer who aids a former drug lord in faking his death and undergoing gender-affirming surgery, transforming him into Emilia Pérez, played by Karla Sofía Gascón. Saldaña also showcased her musical talents by performing the song El Mal, which critiques the wealthy at a charity gala.
The Best Supporting Actress category featured a strong lineup of nominees: Monica Barbaro for A Complete Unknown, Ariana Grande for Wicked, Felicity Jones for The Brutalist, and Isabella Rossellini for Conclave.
Each nominee delivered remarkable performances, making Saldaña’s win particularly noteworthy.
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Saldaña’s career is distinguished by her roles in major blockbusters like Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy. Her portrayal in Emilia Pérez not only underscores her versatility but also her ability to delve into complex characters, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s leading actresses.
During her emotional acceptance speech, Saldaña tearfully acknowledged her mother and family, highlighting the personal significance of this achievement.
Emilia Pérez led the evening with 13 nominations and secured multiple awards, including Best Original Song for El Mal.
