The 82nd annual Golden Globes started the ceremony on a strong note, by awarding Zoe Zaldaña as the Best Supporting Female Actor for a Motion Picture for her captivating portrayal of Rita Mora Castro in Jacques Audiard’s dramatic opera, “Emilia Perez.”
As a first-time Golden Globe winner, Zaldaña was in tears as she accepted the award on stage.
“My heart is full of gratitude, thank you so much to the Golden Globes for celebrating our film, and honoring the women of Emilia Perez. Thank you so much,” Zaldaña said in her tearful speech.
The award for Best Supporting Female Actor – Motion Picture goes to Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez! Congratulations! #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/iMAZKgbwK0
— Golden Globes (@goldenglobes) January 6, 2025
The actress is not just the night's first winner, but also a first-time nominee and awardee. However, the prestigious award is not just for her. In her speech, Zaldaña emphasized that she is sharing her triumphant moment with fellow cast members Selena, Karla, Jacques, and her fellow nominees.
“I am in awe of you. Your strength, your complexity, your undeniable talent. I know this is a competition, but all that I have witnessed is just us showing up for each other and celebrating each other. And it’s just so beautiful," she said.
Zaldaña mentioned her fellow nominees for the category; Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Felicity Jones, Margaret Qualley, and Isabella Rossellini, admiring how they’re all magic.
“You’re magic. You’re all magic. Our experiences are [also] kind of like magic on the set of Emilia Perez, and it’s thanks to you. Merci beaucoup [thank you so much], Jacques Audiard. Thank you so much for trusting me to play Rita,” the actress said.
The actress also honored Director Jacques Audiard and praised his skills, kindness, and confidence.
“You are just a character that I admire so much. You created rich and complex characters. And you’re so French and so chic and confident and kind, I love it,” she said.
Aside from the director, she also thanked the Emilia Perez cast and crew for their work. But above all, Zaldaña shared her award with fellow cast members.
“Adriana, Edgar, and Selena, I’m sharing this with you. And Karla, no one other than you could have played Emilia Perez. No one. Eres unica [you are unique],” she emphasized.
Zaldaña also thanked her family, stating that they are everything to her.
Your talent knows no bounds, Zoe Saldaña! Congratulations on winning Best Supporting Female Actor – Motion Picture at the #GoldenGlobes! pic.twitter.com/PCHqIqnUxf
— Golden Globes (@goldenglobes) January 6, 2025
The actress is known for her roles in science fiction films like the 2009 film Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy. Additionally, her career also expanded to her roles in the animated film The Book of Life and Pirates of the Caribbean 1:The Curse of the Good Start.
Emilia Perez is a dramatic opera that is focused on a Mexican lawyer who is offered an unusual job to help a notorious cartel boss transition into a woman. It was released in 2024 and has gotten 10 nods from the awards show.
