Zoe Saldaña’s Oscar Speech Honors Her Mom, Family

Zoe Saldaña won the Academy Award for best supporting actress for her turn as Rita in “Emilia Pérez,” a film that has attracted its fair share of controversy in the lead-up to the Oscars.

But there was only joy as Saldaña took the stage to accept her award.

“MAMI!” she screamed through tears, looking around the audience until she spotted her mother.

“My mom is here. My whole family is here. I am floored by this honor,” Saldaña began. “Thank you to the Academy for recognizing the quiet heroism and the power in a woman like Rita. And talking about powerful women … my fellow nominees, the love and community that you have offered me is a true gift, and I will pay it forward. Thank you so much.”

Addressing her director and costars, she said, “Jacques Audiard, you are forever a beloved character in my life. Thank you for taking the interest. Thank you for being so curious about these women to tell this story,” she continued. “To my cast and my crew of ‘Emilia Pérez,’ I’m sharing this award with you.”

Turning to her family, Saldaña said, “To my mom, my dad and my sisters … everything brave, outrageous and good that I’ve ever done in my life is because of you.”  

To husband, Marco Perego-Saldaña, the actress said, “To my husband with that beautiful hair.” As he laughed, she continued, “The biggest honor in my life is being your partner. You hung the moon and our beautiful, perfect sons, Sai, Bowie and Zen, they fill our skies every night with stars.” 

Next, Saldaña talked a bit about her family history.

“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’m the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last. I hope!” she said, getting choked up.

“The fact that I’m getting an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish — my grandmother if she were here would be so delighted. This is for my grandmother!”

Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the 2025 Oscars are broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood in Los Angeles at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The official red carpet show will start at 6:30 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. The 2025 Oscars are available to watch on ABC and stream live on Hulu.

Among the most-nominated films are “Emilia Pérez” with 13 nominations and “Wicked” with 10. The list of performers include Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Queen Latifah, Raye and Doja Cat, among others. The ceremony will also feature a special appearance by the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

Follow TODAY.com’s live blog for complete Oscars coverage, including this year’s winners and unexpected moments.