Zoe Saldaña, a Hollywood powerhouse, opens up about the challenges, triumphs, and personal reflections that have defined her career and life as she reaches new heights with her latest project, Emilia Perez.
The film, directed by Jacques Audiard, has earned Saldaña critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe nomination and a Cannes Best Actress award shared with her co-stars.
This marks a career pivot for the actor, known for her iconic roles in Avatar, Star Trek, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
Saldaña’s vulnerability shines as she reveals her struggles with imposter syndrome despite her success in three of the top five highest-grossing films of all time.
“I know from the outside it can look like, ‘Oh, she’s successful – what does she have to feel like an imposter about?’” she shares. Yet, the demands of sequels and blockbusters left her yearning for creative control and personal growth.
Emilia Perez: A Transformative Role
In Emilia Perez, Saldaña plays Rita, a defense attorney entangled in a cartel drama turned musical, where she aids a trans drug lord, played by Karla Sofía Gascón, in faking her death and transitioning.
The role not only challenged Saldaña artistically but also marked the first time she acted in her mother tongue, Spanish.
“Speaking in Spanish had its own set of challenges,” Saldaña admits, citing her bilingual upbringing and struggles with dyslexia.
Despite the hurdles, her performance has sparked awards buzz, highlighting her depth as an actor beyond sci-fi blockbusters.
A Career of Firsts and Reflection
Saldaña reflects on her journey, from her breakout role in Centre Stage to navigating the challenges of being the only Latina or woman of color in many Hollywood spaces.
“When you’re the only one, you carry the weight of your community,” she says, emphasizing the importance of representation.
Her time in franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and Avatar brought both opportunity and frustration, as she often felt overlooked by award bodies.
Yet, Saldaña harbors no bitterness. “Old habits die hard,” she says, understanding the industry’s resistance to change.
Balancing Stardom and Motherhood
As a mother of three, Saldaña navigates the complexities of balancing a demanding career with family life. “When I come home, I don’t go upstairs and take a bath. I roll up my sleeves,” she shares, highlighting her hands-on approach to parenting.
Her experiences as a working mother have deepened her resolve to challenge societal perceptions and pave the way for more supportive environments for women.
“Our environments aren’t yet fully supportive of women wanting success while having a family,” she notes.
Redemption and Forgiveness
Saldaña’s belief in redemption extends beyond her roles, reflecting a personal philosophy.
“Prosecution in the court of public opinion is defining a lot of our generations right now,” she says, urging empathy and second chances in an era of cancel culture.
As Saldaña embraces this new chapter, Emilia Perez represents not only a career milestone but a personal triumph: “It’s the culmination of 25 years of hard work… to have people finally go, ‘Oh, you’ve been here this whole time.’”
