From Sci-Fi Icon to Oscar Winner: The Remarkable Journey of Zoe Saldana

ByThe Hyperhive

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3 March 2025

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How did Zoe Saldana’s Oscars journey redefine her career beyond action and sci-fi roles? What makes her so special?

Zoe Saldana has long been a household name, known for her iconic roles in blockbuster franchises like  Avatar, Star Trek, and  Guardians of the Galaxy.

But in 2025, she added a new milestone to her illustrious career: an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Her win for Emilia Perez not only solidified her status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents but also made her the first American of Dominican origin to take home an Oscar.

This is the story of how Saldana transformed from a sci-fi darling to an Oscar-winning powerhouse.

Zoe Saldana’s Journey to Stardom

From Ballet to Blockbusters: The Early Years

© Actor Stock / Vecteezy
Born in New Jersey to Dominican and Puerto Rican parents, Zoe Saldana’s journey to stardom began with a passion for dance. After moving to the Dominican Republic as a child, she immersed herself in ballet, training rigorously at the ECOS Espacio de Danza Academy.

Though she initially dreamed of becoming a professional dancer, Saldana soon found herself drawn to acting. Her early roles in films like Center Stage (2000) and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) showcased her talent, but it was her breakout role as Uhura in Star Trek (2009) that catapulted her into the spotlight.

That same year, Saldana took on the role of Neytiri in James Cameron’s Avatar, a groundbreaking film that became the highest-grossing movie of all time. Her ability to bring depth and emotion to a CGI character cemented her as a sci-fi icon.
© Actor Stock / Vecteezy
By 2014, she had joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy, further solidifying her place in Hollywood’s pantheon of action stars.

A Bold Career Pivot: Emilia Perez

Despite her success in big-budget franchises, Saldana yearned for roles that allowed her to explore her roots and showcase her range as an actress. Enter Emilia Perez, a psychedelic narco-musical directed by Jacques Audiard.

In the film, Saldana plays Rita, a disillusioned Mexican lawyer who becomes entangled in the life of a drug lord seeking gender-affirming surgery. The role required Saldana to sing, rap, and dance—all in her native Spanish.

For Saldana, the project was a dream come true. “I felt like I was not right for the part, but there was something pulling me to the project,” she told W Magazine.

“I understood that desperation to be something, to be seen, to be heard.”

Her performance earned critical acclaim, sweeping awards season with wins at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and SAG Awards before culminating in her historic Oscar victory.

Zoe Saldana’s Personal Life

© zoesaldana / Instagram
Zoe Saldana’s personal life is as inspiring as her career. Married to Italian artist Marco Perego since 2013, the couple made headlines when Perego took her last name, showcasing their modern approach to love and equality.

Together, they are parents to three sons: twins Cy and Bowie, born in 2014, and Zen, born in 2017.

Saldana often shares heartfelt family moments on social media, giving fans a glimpse into her life as a devoted mom and wife. Despite her busy career, she prioritizes family, crediting Perego as her biggest supporter.

Her down-to-earth nature and commitment to family make her a beloved figure both on and off-screen.

A Legacy of Resilience and Representation

In her heartfelt Oscars acceptance speech, Saldana paid tribute to her immigrant parents and the women who inspired her. “I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hard-working hands,” she said.

“I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. And I know I will not be the last.”

Saldana’s win is more than just a personal triumph—it’s a celebration of diversity and representation in Hollywood. As she continues to break barriers, her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors everywhere.

With upcoming projects like  Avatar 3 and Disney/Pixar’s Elio, Zoe Saldana’s star shows no signs of dimming.

From dancing in the Dominican Republic to accepting an Oscar, Zoe Saldana’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and staying true to oneself.
© Actor Stock / Vecteezy
You might also want to read: Oscars 2025: How ‘Anora’ Triumphed and Demi Moore’s Heartbreaking Loss