The 97th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars 2025, which took place on Sunday, March 2, saw actress Zoe Saldaña receiving an award for best supporting actress in Jacques Audiard’s musical thriller Emilia Pérez.

The Spanish-language film, which was released on Netflix on October 25, saw Saldaña play Rita Mora Castro, a Mexico City-based lawyer tasked with helping a cartel boss undergo gender-affirming surgery and start a new, more authentic life.

While delivering a tearful acceptance speech at the Oscars, she recognised her mother, who was in the audience, while expressing that her hard work has led to this monumental achievement. “Mami, Mami!! My mom is here. My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and 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,” she said.

Saldaña also stated that if her grandmother was present, she would have also been tremendously proud of her win, which saw her representing her Spanish roots. “I hope that the fact that I am getting an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish… my grandmother, if she were here, she would be so delighted. This is for my grandmother, Argentina Cesse. Thank you so much, muchas gracias!” she said.

The 46-year-old has also been a recipient at the BAFTAs competition, Critics Choice Awards, the Golden Globes, and the SAG Awards.