Zoe Saldaña’s Oscar acceptance speech was a powerful and emotional moment, filled with heartfelt gratitude and profound reflections on her journey. As she stepped onto the stage to receive her first-ever Academy Award, the actress was visibly moved, and her speech resonated deeply with both the audience and viewers around the world. It was a moment of personal triumph not just for Zoe Saldaña but for the entire community she represents. This victory was not just for her; it was also a celebration of her heritage, her family, and the powerful women who had inspired her throughout her life and career.

Zoe’s first Oscar nomination and subsequent win came for her portrayal of Rita, a character that she described as a quiet hero with immense power. The role deeply resonated with her, and she expressed her gratitude to the Academy for recognizing the strength and depth of such a character. Saldaña’s words underscored her deep respect for the women who came before her, and her recognition of their strength and impact.

“Thank you to the academy for recognizing the quiet heroism and the power in a woman like Rita,” she said, acknowledging the complex and layered nature of the character she portrayed. Her gratitude was not only directed at the Academy but also to her fellow nominees, who she described as the embodiment of love and community. Saldaña expressed her appreciation for the support and camaraderie she had experienced throughout the awards season, saying that the love and community shared among the nominees was a true gift.

Her thankfulness extended to the creative minds behind the film, particularly the director of the project, Jaou Diard. Saldaña was full of praise for Diard, recognizing the importance of his curiosity about powerful women and his commitment to telling their stories. She credited the film’s success to his dedication and vision, thanking him for bringing such a meaningful and empowering narrative to life. Saldaña’s connection to the project was evident in her words as she described how her character, Rita, was a transformative figure in her own life. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to portray a character whose inner strength and resilience served as an inspiration to her, personally and professionally.

A significant part of Zoe Saldaña’s speech was dedicated to the people who had supported her throughout her career and her life. She began by thanking the entire cast and crew, specifically naming Amilia Perez and acknowledging their collective effort in making the film a success. She also thanked Netflix, Ted Lisa Bella, and YSL for their unwavering support, which played a crucial role in bringing the film to life.

Her acknowledgment of her team at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), including her managers, lawyers, and the powerful women of The Lead Company, was a reflection of her belief in the importance of collaboration. Saldaña emphasized the invaluable guidance she had received from her team and expressed her heartfelt appreciation for their constant support. “Thank you for always always answering my emails late at night,” she joked, adding a personal touch to her gratitude.

But the most poignant part of Saldaña’s speech came when she turned to thank her family. With her parents, sisters, and husband all in attendance, Saldaña’s words were filled with emotion as she recognized the profound influence they had on her life. “Everything Brave, outrageous, and good that I’ve ever done in my life is because of you,” she said, turning to her parents and sisters. The actress acknowledged the sacrifices her family had made and the strength they instilled in her throughout her life. It was clear that her success was deeply intertwined with the love and support of those closest to her.

Saldaña’s husband, who she affectionately mentioned for his “beautiful hair,” was also an essential part of her thank-you message. She expressed that the greatest honor in her life was being his partner, and her love and gratitude were palpable as she spoke of their shared journey. “You hung the moon,” she said, a testament to the depth of her affection for him. Her acknowledgment of her husband, along with their two sons, Sabo and Zen, added another layer of warmth to her speech. Saldaña’s words about her children were filled with joy and pride, as she spoke of how they filled their lives with light and happiness. She described how every night, their skies were filled with stars, a poetic and beautiful metaphor for the love and joy they brought to her life.

Saldaña’s acceptance speech also held a powerful message about her heritage. She took a moment to honor her Dominican roots, proudly sharing that she was the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. “I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hard-working hands,” she declared, acknowledging the struggles and sacrifices of her family. Her words were a tribute to the immigrant experience, and she expressed how deeply honored she was to represent her culture and heritage in such a significant moment. She also made it clear that she would not be the last, expressing her hope that more voices from underrepresented communities would follow in her footsteps.

Saldaña’s mention of her grandmother, who immigrated to the United States in 1961, added an emotional and personal touch to her speech. She spoke lovingly of her grandmother and how she would have been “so delighted” to see her accept the Oscar for a role where she sang and spoke in Spanish.

This was not just a personal achievement for Saldaña but also a tribute to her grandmother and the legacy of immigrant families in the United States. The emotional weight of this moment resonated deeply with the audience, as it was a reminder of the importance of family and heritage in shaping who we are and what we can accomplish.

The actress concluded her speech by thanking everyone once again, expressing her immense gratitude for the honor and the opportunity to be a part of such a transformative project. “This is for my grandmother,” she said, dedicating her Oscar to the woman who had shaped her values and who had instilled in her the strength to pursue her dreams. Her final words, “Muchas gracias” (Thank you very much), were a heartfelt acknowledgment of the people who had helped her get to this moment.

Zoe Saldaña’s Oscar acceptance speech was a reflection of her journey as an artist, a daughter, a wife, a mother, and a proud representative of her heritage. Her words were not just an expression of gratitude but also a celebration of the power of community, family, and representation. Through her speech, Saldaña reminded everyone watching that success is not just about personal achievements but about the people who help shape and support us along the way. It was a moment of triumph, not just for her, but for all those who saw themselves in her story—the immigrant, the woman of color, the daughter, the partner, and the mother. Saldaña’s victory was a reminder that we are all connected, and our journeys are intertwined with those who support and inspire us.