Dominican-American actress became this evening the fourth Latina performer to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She won the coveted statuette for her role in the French queer narco-musical Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard. This marked Saldaña’s first Oscar nomination and win, beating Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown), Ariana Grande (Wicked), Felicity Jones (The Brutalist), and Isabella Rossellini (Conclave)
In Emilia Pérez, Saldaña portrays Rita, a Mexican lawyer hired for an unusual job: helping a notorious cartel boss retire and transition into living as a woman, fulfilling a lifelong dream. With her trophy in hand, Saldaña was visibly emotional, tearing up as she thanked her family, cast, crew, and fellow nominees.
“I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hard working hards,” she said in her acceptance speech. “And I’m the first American of Dominican origin to accept this award, and I know I will not be the last.”
Additionally, “El Mal,” the song that Saldaña sings in Emilia Pérez was awarded the Oscar for Best Song. Emilia Pérez lead this year’s Oscar with 13 nominations including for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best International Feature.
The 97th Academy Awards are being held this evening at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, California.
