Zoe Saldaña’s Emotional Oscars Speech: A Tribute to Her Immigrant Roots, Family, and Husband’s ‘Beautiful Hair’

Actress celebrates historic Best Supporting Actress win, reflecting on her family, heritage, and the legacy of her late grandmother.

In a moment brimming with emotion and gratitude, Zoe Saldaña won the coveted Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at the 2025 Oscars for her powerful role in Emilia Pérez. The 46-year-old actress, renowned for her iconic performances in Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy, was visibly overwhelmed as she took the stage to accept her Oscar, a historic achievement for both her and the Dominican-American community.

A Moment for Family

The heartfelt speech began with an exuberant call to her mother, seated in the audience at the Dolby Theatre. With tears welling in her eyes, Saldaña repeatedly shouted, “Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!” before pausing, overcome with emotion. As she caught sight of her mother waving from the crowd, she continued, “My mom is here. My whole family is here.”

The actress dedicated much of her speech to her family, particularly her immigrant parents, whose sacrifices and love shaped her life and career. Saldaña’s voice trembled as she thanked her parents and sisters, Mariel and Cisely: “Everything brave, outrageous, and good that I’ve ever done in my entire life is because of you. Thank you so much.”

Saldaña, who is known for her openness and vulnerability, also expressed deep appreciation for her husband, Italian artist Marco Perego-Saldaña. After playfully referencing his “beautiful hair,” the actress turned toward him in the audience and said with a smile, “The biggest honor of my life is being your partner. You hung the moon in our beautiful, perfect sons: Cy, Bowie, and Zen. They fill our skies every night with stars.”

A Tribute to Her Heritage

The actress, a proud child of immigrant parents, touched on the significance of her win in the context of her Dominican roots. “My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hard-working 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.”

Saldaña’s speech resonated deeply with viewers as she acknowledged the enduring power of family, tradition, and resilience. She dedicated her award to her late grandmother, Argentina Cesse, who had emigrated from the Dominican Republic to the United States. “My grandmother would be so delighted that I’m accepting this award for a film in which I sing in Spanish,” Saldaña said, her voice cracking with emotion. “This is for my grandmother, Argentina Cesse.”

A Historic Achievement

Saldaña’s win marks a significant milestone in Hollywood’s ongoing efforts to diversify its awards recognition. Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, is a critically acclaimed film that not only highlights Saldaña’s incredible performance but also touches on themes of identity, heritage, and cultural pride.

The film was nominated for 13 Oscars in total, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best International Feature, further solidifying Saldaña’s historic achievement. In an evening that included several high-profile controversies, including social media backlash against Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón, Saldaña’s win offered a powerful, poignant counterpoint to the drama unfolding elsewhere in the industry.

Looking to the Future

As Saldaña accepted the award, she expressed hope for the future and the continued success of immigrants and people of color in the entertainment industry. Her heartfelt speech at the 2025 Academy Awards not only celebrated her personal achievements but also paid tribute to the sacrifices of those who came before her, ensuring that their stories and dreams are represented in the global spotlight.

With this historic win, Zoe Saldaña joins a growing list of talented individuals breaking barriers in Hollywood, inspiring the next generation of storytellers and creatives. Her win was not just a personal victory, but a testament to the power of diversity, determination, and the enduring strength of family.

As she concluded her speech with a heartfelt, “Muchas gracias,” it was clear that Saldaña’s victory would be remembered not just for the role she played, but for the heart and soul she brought to the stage.