Zoe Saldaña's heartfelt speech upon receiving the Oscar: "I am the proud daughter of immigrant parents."

Zoe Saldaña moved audiences at the 2025 Oscars by winning 'Best Supporting Actress.' She honored her Latin roots and the fight of immigrants, emphasizing Latin representation in cinema.


Zoe Saldaña made her mark on the night of the 2025 Oscars by winning the award for 'Best Supporting Actress' for her role in the film Emilia Pérez. However, beyond this acknowledgment of her talent, her acceptance speech became one of the standout moments of the gala, as she proudly affirmed her Latin roots and the struggle of immigrants in the United States.

"Mom, Mom!", Zoe Saldaña exclaimed in Spanish, her voice breaking as she began her speech, clearly emotional. "My mother is here and all my family", she continued before expressing a message of gratitude and pride for her roots.

"I am the proud daughter of immigrant parents with dreams, dignity, and hard-working hands", the actress expressed with emotion upon receiving the award, emphasizing her Dominican heritage.

She also emphasized the importance of Latin representation in the film industry: "I am the first American of Dominican descent to accept an Academy Award, and I know I won’t be the last." Additionally, she proudly mentioned that her grandmother would have been thrilled to see her receive an award for a role in which she was able to speak and sing in Spanish. "This is for my grandmother," she concluded, her voice choked with emotion.

The audience's applause was immediate, turning the moment into one of the most moving of the night. Among those present, her husband, Italian producer Marco Perego-Saldaña, could not hold back his tears as the actress delivered her speech.

Zoe Saldaña has been one of the most successful actresses in Hollywood, starring in major franchises such as "Avatar," "Avengers," and "Guardians of the Galaxy." However, with this Oscar, she also establishes herself as a role model for the Latin community in the film industry.

At a gala where political references and protest speeches were few, Saldaña's words stood out strongly.

Frequently Asked Questions about Zoe Saldaña's Speech at the 2025 Oscar Awards

Why was Zoe Saldaña's speech at the 2025 Oscars so significant?

The speech was significant because Zoe Saldaña proudly expressed her Latin roots and the struggle of immigrants in the United States, in addition to being the first American of Dominican descent to receive an Academy Award. Her message emphasized the importance of Latin representation in the film industry, becoming a role model for the Latin community.

What role did Zoe Saldaña play to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress?

Zoe Saldaña won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film "Emilia Pérez". Her performance not only earned her recognition from the Academy but also allowed her to speak and sing in Spanish, which was a source of personal and family pride.

How was Zoe Saldaña's victory at the Oscars received by the Latino community?

Zoe Saldaña's victory was met with applause and great emotion from the audience present, standing out as a touching and significant moment for the Latino community. Her acceptance speech emphasized the pride in her roots and the importance of Latino representation in Hollywood.

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Izabela Pecherska

Editor at CiberCuba. Graduated in Journalism from the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid, Spain. Editor at El Mundo and PlayGround.