Even though her grandmother wasn’t present to witness it, Zoe Saldaña dedicated her inaugural Oscar award to her late matriarch.
Saldaña paid tribute to her grandmother while accepting the award for best supporting actress for her performance in “Emilia Pérez” at the 97th Annual Academy Awards on Sunday.
“My grandmother arrived in this country in 1961,” Saldaña stated. “The fact that I’m receiving an award for a role where I had the opportunity to sing and speak in Spanish – my grandmother, if she were here, would be absolutely delighted.”
She also mentioned that she is the first American actress of Dominican heritage to win an Oscar, but she will not be the last.
“I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams, dignity, and hardworking hands,” she expressed to enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Saldaña had already secured several awards for her portrayal of Rita, a lawyer who aids the titular character in faking her own death before transitioning. This marked Saldaña’s first Oscar nomination and win.
“Emilia Pérez” garnered 13 Oscar nominations, although its campaign was marred when offensive tweets from best actress nominee Karla Sofia Gascón resurfaced earlier this year. Saldaña had previously conveyed that she was “very sad” and “disappointed” by Gascón’s remarks.
Saldaña’s complete speech is provided below.
Mom! Mom! My mother is here. My entire family is here. I am overwhelmed by this honor. Thank you to the Academy for recognizing the quiet heroism and the power in a woman like Rita. And speaking of powerful women, my fellow nominees – the love and community you have offered me is a true gift, and I will reciprocate it. Thank you so much.
Jacques Audiard, you will forever be a cherished character in my life. Thank you for taking the interest; thank you for being so curious about these women, to tell this story.
To my cast and crew of “Emilia Pérez,” I am sharing this award with you. Netflix, Ted (Sarandos), Lisa (Taback), Bela (Bajaria), Why Not Productions, YSL, thank you for your support. To my exceptional team at CAA, my amazing managers and lawyers, and the powerful women of the Lede Company, thank you for your guidance, and thank you for always, always responding to my late-night emails.
To my mother and father, and to my sisters Mariel and Cisely — everything brave, extraordinary, and good I have ever done in my life is because of you. Thank you so much.
And to my husband, with that beautiful hair. Being your partner is the greatest honor of my life. You hung the moon in our beautiful, perfect sons – Cy, Bowie, and Zen. They fill our skies every night with stars.
My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams, dignity, and hardworking hands. And I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last. I hope the fact that I’m getting an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish — my grandmother, if she were here, would be so delighted. This is for my grandmother. Thank you so much! Muchas gracias.
