Zoe Saldana played the role of Rita Mora Castro in the film Emilia Pérez (2024). She beat the highly expected winners like Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown) and Felicity Jones (The Brutalist) to become the winner of the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in the 97th Academy Awards. She is famous for her roles in “Avatar,” “Star Trek” & “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Get insights into his career, ethnicity, family, and more.
Zoe Saldana: 1st American Of Dominican Origin To Win Oscar Award 2025
Zoe Saldana brought praise to the Dominican origin people of America after winning the Best Supporting Actress Award at the Academy Awards 2025. She became the first person of Dominican origin to win the award. During her speech at the awards ceremony, she mentioned,
“My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am a proud child of immigrant parents. With dreams and dignity and hard working hands. And I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. And I know I will not be the last.”
Saldana’s Role In Emilia Pérez
Saldana played the role of Rita Mora Castro in the film Emilia Pérez. Rita is a determined lawyer who helps the titular character transition and escape her past life. Her role required deep emotional depth, making it one of the most challenging performances of her career. The film received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. Her performance won her not only the Oscar but also a BAFTA and a Golden Globe.
Zoe Saldana Age & Education
Born on June 19, 1978, Zoe Saldana is 46 years old as of 2024. She spent her early years in New York before moving to the Dominican Republic after the tragic loss of her father. There, she discovered her passion for dance and later pursued acting. She attended Newtown High School in Queens and honed her craft with the Faces theater group, which led to her breakthrough in Hollywood.
Zoe Saldana Ethnicity & Nationality
Zoe Saldana is of mixed Caribbean heritage. Her father was Dominican, and her mother is of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent. She proudly embraces her Afro-Latina roots and has often spoken about the importance of representation in the film industry. Though she was born in the United States, her Dominican heritage plays a significant role in shaping her identity.
Zoe Saldana Family: Story Of Immigrants
Saldana’s family story is one of resilience and hard work. After her father passed away, her mother, Asalia Nazario, worked tirelessly to provide for Zoe and her two sisters, Cisely and Mariel. The family moved to the Dominican Republic before eventually returning to New York. Zoe has always credited her upbringing for shaping her into the strong woman she is today. Her stepfather, Dagoberto Galán, also played a crucial role in her life, providing support and stability
Notable Movies Of Saldana
Zoe Saldana has been a part of some of the highest-grossing films in history. Here are a few of her most notable movies:
Avatar (2009) & Avatar: The Way of Water (2022): Played Neytiri in James Cameron’s sci-fi epic.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014-2023): Portrayed Gamora in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Star Trek (2009-2016): Took on the iconic role of Nyota Uhura.
Colombiana (2011): Starred as a fierce assassin seeking revenge.
From Scratch (2022): Led the romantic drama miniseries on Netflix.
Emilia Pérez (2024): Earned her first Oscar for this critically acclaimed role.
Zoe Saldana Net Worth
As of 2025, Zoe Saldana’s estimated net worth is around $45 million. Her earnings come from blockbuster movies, brand endorsements, and business ventures. She is one of Hollywood’s highest-grossing actresses, with her films collectively making over $15 billion worldwide.
Awards & Achievements
Zoe Saldana’s career is decorated with numerous accolades:
- Academy Award (2025): Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez.
- BAFTA Award (2025): Best Supporting Actress.
- Golden Globe Award (2025): Best Supporting Actress.
- MTV Movie Awards: Best Hero (for Guardians of the Galaxy).
- NAACP Image Awards: Recognized for outstanding performances.
- Time 100 (2023): Named one of the most influential people in the world.
Zoe Saldana Husband & Children
Zoe Saldana married Italian artist Marco Perego in 2013. The couple shares a deep bond, and Marco even took Zoe’s last name, becoming Marco Perego-Saldana. They have three sons: Cy, Bowie, and Zen. The family speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Italian, and they emphasize cultural heritage in their upbringing.
In Summary
Zoe Saldana’s journey from a young girl with dreams to an internationally acclaimed actress is nothing short of inspiring. With her historic Oscar win, she has broken barriers and paved the way for future generations of Latino actors. Whether starring in blockbuster hits or advocating for representation, she continues to leave a lasting impact on Hollywood. Her story is one of perseverance, talent, and cultural pride, making her a true icon of our time.
