By Nicole Mancebo, 10th grade.

Zoe Saldaña, an American-Dominican, made history at the 97th Academy Award, winning the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Mexican lawyer Rita Castro in the French musical “Emilia Pérez.” In her acceptance speech, she declared this by saying, “I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. And I know I will not be the last.” Her win has placed her among the few actors that have won an Oscar for non-English performances. However, this win has left a mixed public opinion, many fans of Zoe Saldaña are happy about her win while other viewers are unhappy claiming that the win was undeserved and other films such as Wicked deserved it more.

Zoe Saldaña is a talented actress known for her roles in some of the biggest movies in history. She started as a dancer and made her first movie debut in Center Stage (2000). After smaller roles in films like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Terminal, her career took off in 2009 with leading roles in Star Trek and James Cameron’s Avatar. Since then, she has gained a name for herself by playing characters such as Gamora in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy series. Over the years, she has starred in both blockbuster hits and smaller, emotional films, earning awards, including her recently gained Oscar in 2025 for Emilia Pérez.

However, her Oscar win for “Emilia Pérez” has drawn mixed reactions from the public. While many fans are celebrating her achievement, others have expressed their very obvious disappointment, suggesting that other films, such as Ariana Grande in “Wicked,” might have been more deserving of winning this prize. Some viewers feel that Saldaña’s performance, although outstanding, was significantly ruined by the film itself, which they did not find as compelling as other nominees.

Despite these criticisms, fans of Saldaña have come to her defense, arguing that she is a talented actress who has consistently delivered powerful performances throughout her career. They point out that while “Emilia Pérez” might not have been the best-received film of the year, Saldaña’s portrayal of Rita Castro was nuanced and impactful, showcasing her ability to bring depth to complex characters.

The debate surrounding Saldaña’s win highlights the various issues within the film industry. Saldaña’s achievement however is not just about her individual talent but also about breaking barriers for actors of Dominican heritage. Her win serves as a reminder that there is still much work to be done to ensure that diverse voices and stories are celebrated on the biggest stages.

In the context of her broad acting career, Saldaña’s Oscar win is a prize to her hard work and dedication to the film industry.Zoe Saldaña has played many different roles, from big science fiction movies to serious dramas. She always tries to challenge herself and become a better artist. Her success in “Emilia Pérez” shows she can do well in many types of films and languages, which is very important in the global film industry today.

As the first Dominican-American to win an Oscar, Saldaña’s achievement is not just about her; it’s also about her culture. It shows other actors from diverse backgrounds that their stories and talents are valued and recognized at the highest level. Her emotional and thankful speech inspired many who see her as a role model.

In short, Zoe Saldaña’s Oscar win is a big moment that celebrates her talent, heritage, and the impact she has. Even though people might have different opinions about the film, her hard work and dedication to representing diverse voices are clear. As she continues to inspire audiences and pave the way for future actors, her influence goes far beyond this one award, making her a true leader in Hollywood.

Economic Times. (2025, March 7). Oscar 2025: Zoe Saldaña becomes first Dominican heritage actor to win; who is she? https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/oscar-2025-zoe-saldaa-becomes-first-dominican-heritage-actor-to-win-who-is-she/articleshow/118671584.cms?from=mdr

Jamaica Gleaner. (2025, March 5). Zoe Saldana’s Oscar sparks Dominican pride after first Miss Universe win. Jamaica Gleaner. https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/entertainment/20250305/zoe-saldanas-oscar-sparks-dominican-pride-first-miss-universe-win

Associated Press. (2025, March 7). Supporting actress 2025 Oscars. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/supporting-actress-2025-oscars-5a4523804f31aecf39c38ae37c925946