Zoe Saldaña, a Hollywood icon with a 25-year career spanning some of the biggest blockbusters in cinematic history, has reached a monumental milestone. On Thursday, January 23, the actress earned her first-ever Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Emilia Pérez."
"I am truly honored and grateful for the nomination. Thank you so much for considering me for this award. I am thrilled to be among such a talented company," the 46-year-old wrote on Instagram, sharing a joyful photo with her sisters, Cisely and Mariel.
In her heartfelt post, Saldaña also expressed gratitude for "Emilia Pérez" director Jacques Audiard, who was also recognized with a nomination. "Emilia Pérez was made with love. Thank you to @theacademy and its members for recognizing our work. Jacques!!!!! BINGO!" she added, highlighting the creative journey of the film.
Saldaña joins an impressive list of nominees in the Best Supporting Actress category, including Monica Barbaro ("A Complete Unknown"), Ariana Grande ("Wicked"), Felicity Jones ("The Brutalist"), and Isabella Rossellini ("Conclave"). Her journey to the Oscars follows a remarkable awards season, during which she won her first Golden Globe earlier in January and earned nominations at the Critics Choice Awards, BAFTA Awards, and SAG Awards.
A Family Affair
The nomination marked a celebration for Zoe and her entire family. On the same day, she shared a series of rare, heartwarming Instagram photos featuring her three sons—twins Cy and Bowie, 10, and Zen, 8—alongside her husband, Marco Perego-Saldaña, and her mother, Asalia Nazario.
"How today feels :-)" she captioned the carousel of snapshots, which perfectly captured the joy of the occasion. In one image, the family beams in front of a cake that reads, "We are so proud," while in others, Zoe is seen having pillow fights with her boys, sharing cocktails with friends, and dancing with her loved ones.
Zoe extended her gratitude to her sisters, Cisely and Mariel, with whom she has always bonded. In another post, she posed with her siblings, acknowledging the love and support that have grounded her throughout her career.
A Career-Defining Moment
Saldaña's nomination reminds Hollywood and movie fans of her versatility and talent. Known for her starring roles in blockbuster franchises such as "Avatar," "Guardians of the Galaxy," and "Star Trek," the actress has now garnered critical acclaim for her portrayal in "Emilia Pérez," a project she described as being "made with love."
At 46, Saldaña embraces this milestone gracefully, sharing her journey with those she holds dearest.
Making History for Years
Zoe is no stranger to making history. In 2023, Saldaña became the first actor to have four movies grossing over $2 billion. The milestones of the box office queen and Dominican-descent actress include 2009's Avatar, 2019's Avengers: Endgame, and 2018's Infinity War.
Saldaña, known for her role as Gamora in "Guardians of the Galaxy," said in 2022 that although Gamora has given her unforgettable memories, the green paint gave her a hard time while filming; therefore, she "wouldn't be upset" if she didn't have to transform into Gamora's signature color again.
"I can never say no to anything, but that green makeup? I wouldn't be upset if it didn't happen again," Saldaña told Variety. "I miss Gamora, but I don't miss 3:30 a.m. calls and five-hour makeup sessions and trips to the dermatologist afterward."