The 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards was an unforgettable occasion, and for actress Zoe Saldaña, it marked a significant moment in her career. Known for her roles in major franchises such as Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy, the actress reached a new milestone by securing her first Golden Globe.
Saldaña was honored with the award for Best Supporting Actress in Any Motion Picture for her role as Rita Moro Castro in the critically acclaimed film “Emilia Pérez.”
The star-studded event, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, brought Hollywood’s brightest to the forefront, but it was Saldaña’s moment of triumph that stole the spotlight. Her portrayal of Rita, a complex and deeply layered character, resonated with audiences and critics alike, marking a turning point in her illustrious career.
In her acceptance speech, an emotional Saldaña, before thanking her cast and crew, Saldaña gave a shout-out to her fellow nominees and appreciated how graceful they all have been. Afterward, she expressed gratitude to the Emilia Pérez team, including her co-star Selena Gomez, who was also nominated for her performance in the same film.
“I am so grateful,” she exclaimed, fighting back tears. “I know this is competition, but all that I have witnessed is of us showing up for each other, and it’s just so beautiful.”
Following her gratitude towards the entire cast and crew, Zoe Saldaña expressed appreciation for her director, Jacques Audiard, not just for crafting her amazing character but also for his qualities as an individual.
“Thank you for trusting me,” she told the director. “You are just a character that I admire so much; you create rich and complex characters, and you’re also so French and chic and confident and kind.”
Saldaña made a striking entrance on the red carpet. The actress dazzled in a dark brown, strapless sequined dress by Saint Laurent, which was beautifully paired with a matching cape that gracefully flowed around her arms. Her appearance was enhanced by a stunning diamond necklace, which brought an additional touch of glamour to her moment on the red carpet.
In “Emilia Pérez,” Saldana portrays Rita Moro Castro, an attorney at a major law firm assigned to assist a cartel leader, Manitas, in undergoing a covert sex change operation as he approaches retirement. The film, a musical with original songs, captured considerable attention when it debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in May. It received an almost 10-minute standing ovation and subsequently won the Jury Prize and the Best Actress award for its ensemble of female performers.
