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In a night filled with emotional highlights and groundbreaking wins, Zoe Saldaña took home her first Golden Globe award at Sunday’s ceremony for her role as Rita Moro Castro in the Netflix musical Emilia Pérez. Winning the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Saldaña delivered a heartfelt speech that resonated with the audience.
“My heart is full of gratitude,” she said from the podium, holding back tears. “This is a first for me, and I’m just so blessed that I’m sharing this moment with Selena [Gomez], Karla [Sofía Gascón], Jacques [Audiard], and all of my fellow nominees. I’m in awe of you.”
Saldaña, known for her versatile performances in blockbuster hits like Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy, shifted gears to play a sharp and ambitious criminal defense attorney in Emilia Pérez. The film, directed by Jacques Audiard, tells the story of a Mexican cartel leader who undergoes gender-affirming surgery to start a new life as Emilia Pérez. The project has been lauded for its bold storytelling and original music, with 16 new songs by Camille and Clément Ducol.
A Historic Night for Representation
The win adds to the accolades for Emilia Pérez, which led this year’s Golden Globes with ten nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. The film also stars Karla Sofía Gascón in the titular role. Gascón, a transgender actress, made history at the Cannes Film Festival earlier in 2024 when she became the first transgender woman to win Best Actress for her role in the film.
Selena Gomez, another key cast member, also received a nomination for her performance and dazzled audiences with her musical number “Mi Camino,” showcasing the depth of her talent beyond her pop star persona.
An Emotional Milestone
For Saldaña, this Golden Globe win represents a new chapter in her illustrious career. “I’ve been in this industry for so long, but moments like this remind me why I fell in love with acting in the first place,” she said backstage after the ceremony. Critics have praised her nuanced portrayal of Rita Moro Castro, applauding her ability to balance the character’s fierce ambition with vulnerability.
The success of Emilia Pérez has been a testament to the power of diverse storytelling. With its trailblazing cast, unique narrative, and stunning musical performances, the film has cemented itself as a cultural and cinematic milestone.
Fans and critics alike are already anticipating Emilia Pérez’s performance at the Academy Awards, where it is expected to earn multiple nominations, solidifying its place in Hollywood history.