Zoe Saldaña Dedicates First Oscar to Her Grandmother – A Heartfelt Tribute
Zoe Saldaña won her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at the 97th Academy Awards and dedicated the award to her late grandmother. She celebrated her Dominican roots, honored her immigrant family, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to sing and speak Spanish in her role.
11:59 AM Mar 03, 2025 IST
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Aakash Khuman
Zoe Saldaña made history at the 97th Academy Awards by winning her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in Emilia Pérez. This was a major milestone in her career, and she took the moment to dedicate her achievement to someone very special—her late grandmother.
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Honoring Her Grandmother’s Legacy
While accepting the award, Saldaña shared an emotional tribute to her grandmother, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1961. She expressed how meaningful it was to win an Oscar for a role where she could sing and speak Spanish.
"If my grandmother were here, she would be so delighted," Saldaña said.
Proud Moment for Representation
Saldaña also highlighted that she is the first American actor of Dominican descent to win an Academy Award, but she firmly believes she won’t be the last. She proudly acknowledged her immigrant parents and their hard work, inspiring many with her words.
"I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams, dignity, and hardworking hands," she said, receiving applause from the audience.
Role That Earned Recognition
Saldaña played Rita, a lawyer who helps the main character in Emilia Pérez fake her own death and transition. Her performance had already won multiple awards before the Oscars, marking a standout moment in her career.
Gratitude and Acknowledgments
In her acceptance speech, Saldaña expressed deep gratitude to the film’s director Jacques Audiard, Netflix, her team, and her family. She emotionally thanked her husband and their children, calling them her greatest source of joy.
"The biggest honor of my life is being your partner," she said, addressing her husband.
Overcoming Challenges in the Oscar Campaign
Despite the film’s success, Emilia Pérez faced controversy when offensive tweets from co-star Karla Sofia Gascón resurfaced. Saldaña had earlier expressed disappointment but remained focused on celebrating the film’s achievements.
An Inspiring Message
Saldaña closed her speech with a hopeful message, acknowledging her roots and dedicating the award to her grandmother.
"Muchas gracias," she said, concluding her speech with heartfelt gratitude.
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