Zoe Saldaña became the first American of Dominican origin to receive this award, offering key takeaways that could echo with women of color in their careers.

Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars 2025, beating Monica Barbaro, Ariana Grande, Felicity Jones and Isabella Rossellini for the award

Zoe Saldaña won the Academy Award for best supporting actress for her performance in the Spanish-language musical “Emilia Pérez.” She plays Rita, a downtrodden Mexico City lawyer who decides to accept an offer to help Emilia Pérez, a drug cartel boss played by Karla Sofía Gascón, set up a new life after receiving gender-affirming surgery.