…Says: ‘I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award’
Zoe Saldaña took the stage to accept the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. This her first Oscar win. During her acceptance speech, Saldaña thanked the academy for honoring her onscreen character in the film, Rita Mora Castro.
“I am floored by this honor. Thank you to the academy for recognizing the quiet heroism and the power in a woman like Rita. In talking about powerful women, my fellow nominees — the love and community that you have offered me is a true gift, and I will pay it forward. Thank you so much.”
She went on to thank the cast and crew of Emilia Pérez, her mother, father and sisters, as well as her husband, Marco Perego-Saldaña, with whom she shares three sons.
“The biggest honor in my life is being your partner,” Saldaña said.
Saldaña concluded her speech by thanking her grandmother and acknowledging that she is the daughter of immigrants.
“My grandmother came to this country in 1961,” she said. “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. 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.”
