Zoe Saldaña, known for her dynamic performances in films ranging from science fiction epics to heartfelt dramas, achieved a significant milestone in her career by winning an Academy Award for best supporting actress for her role as Mexican lawyer Rita Castro in “Emilia Pérez.”

“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, she would be so delighted,” Saldaña said in her acceptance speech. She also shared that her grandmother came to the US in 1961. “I am a proud child of immigrant parents, with dreams and dignity and hard-working hands.”

Saldaña was born on June 19, 1978, in Passaic, New Jersey, and raised in Queens, New York City. Her parents are Aridio Saldaña, who was Dominican, and Asalia Nazario, a Dominican with partial Puerto Rican ancestry. In an interview with Wired, Saldaña said that she is 3/4 Dominican and 1/4 Puerto Rican.

Dominican President Luis Abinader took to X immediately after the actress received the award Sunday night, thanking her for being a worthy representative of Dominican culture reported the Associated Press.

“I congratulate you, Zoe Saldaña, for becoming the first Dominican to win an Oscar,” he wrote. “Your talent and dedication exalt our nation, thank you for carrying our flag high. You are a Dominican pride,” Abinader said.

Minister of Culture Roberto Ángel Salcedo, a former film producer, echoed the sentiment. “We are deeply proud of you. It is a well-deserved recognition of your career and your international success. Bravo, Zoe!,” he said in a statement shared on social media.

Saldaña, who gained fame through her roles in iconic franchises such as “Avatar” and “Guardians of the Galaxy,” has garnered a reputation for choosing characters that embody strength, resilience, and depth. Her Oscar win recognizes not only her individual performance but also her contributions to the industry as a leading actress of color. As a trailblazer, she has paved the way for future generations of actors, inspiring many with her dedication to her craft.

Saldaña has starred in four of the six highest-grossing films of all time, including the top three (Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water, and Avengers: Endgame). Films she has appeared in have grossed more than $15 billion worldwide and, as of 2024, she is the second highest-grossing lead actress and the highest-grossing actress overall. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023.

Saldaña is the third Latina in Oscar history to win best supporting actress.

Cover Photo: Zoe Saldaña Instagram