Zoe Saldana Wins Best Supporting Actress at the 97th Oscars

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The 97th Annual Oscars took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, with Zoe Saldana winning the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the Netflix film Emilia Perez. Saldana plays Rita Mora Castro, a lawyer who helps the title character, a trans cartel boss, undergo gender-affirming surgery and start a new life as a woman. This is Saldana's first-ever Oscar win and her first Oscar nomination, making her the first Dominican American to win an Academy Award.

Saldana's win comes amidst controversy surrounding the film's portrayal of Mexican culture and the trans experience. The film has faced backlash, with LGBTQ advocacy organization GLAAD stating that it is "not good trans representation." Additionally, the film's Oscars campaign was marred by the resurfacing of offensive tweets from star Karla Sofia Gascon. Despite this, Saldana's performance in the film was recognized by the Oscars voters, and she took home the award for Best Supporting Actress.

Saldana's acceptance speech was emotional, as she dedicated her win to her immigrant parents and her grandmother, who would have been delighted to see her win an award for a role where she got to sing and speak in Spanish. Saldana also won the award for Best Supporting Actress at the Golden Globes, British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), and Screen Actors Guild Awards. At the Cannes Film Festival, she won a joint best actress award along with her Emilia Perez co-stars Karla Sofia Gascon, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz.

The 2025 Oscars saw several first-time winners, including Saldana, Kieran Culkin, and Mikey Madison. The winners' outfits were also a highlight of the evening, with Saldana wearing a custom Saint Laurent gown featuring a burgundy tiered skirt and a netted bodice covered in crystals. She accessorized with sheer elbow-length gloves and diamond-encrusted Cartier jewels. Other winners, including Kieran Culkin and Mikey Madison, also wore custom outfits, with Culkin wearing a navy Zegna suit and Madison wearing a strapless Dior haute couture gown.

The 97th Academy Awards were hosted by Conan O'Brien and featured notable presenters, including Halle Berry, Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Oprah Winfrey, Cillian Murphy, and Emma Stone. The ceremony honored the best in cinema from the past year, with several films and actors taking home awards. Saldana's win was a highlight of the evening, and she will be remembered as the first Dominican American to win an Academy Award, paving the way for future generations of Latinx actors and actresses. Her win is also a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft, and she will continue to be a role model for many in the entertainment industry.