At the 2025 Oscars, Zoe Saldaña achieved a career milestone by winning the Academy award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. Her acceptance speech was heartfelt, focusing on her personal journey and heritage. Notably, Saldaña did not mention her co-star, Karla Sofía Gascón, who had been embroiled in controversy leading up to the event.
Saldaña began her speech with an emotional tribute to her family, particularly her mother, exclaiming, «Mami! Mami! I love you!»
She continued by highlighting her background, stating, «I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity.»
This acknowledgment resonated with many, as it underscored the contributions and resilience of immigrant communities.
While expressing gratitude to those who supported her career, Saldaña notably omitted any reference to Gascón. This absence was conspicuous, given their collaboration on Emilia Pérez and Gascón’s own nomination for Best Actress. In the weeks leading up to the Oscars, Gascón faced public backlash over resurfaced offensive tweets, which led to widespread criticism and discussions about accountability in the entertainment industry.
Saldaña’s decision to focus her speech on her heritage and the broader immigrant experience can be seen as a deliberate choice to steer clear of the surrounding controversy. By dedicating her win to her immigrant parents and, by extension, to all migrants pursuing their dreams, she highlighted the importance of representation and diversity in Hollywood. This emphasis not only celebrated her personal journey but also served as an inspiration to countless others with similar backgrounds.
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