The 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, were absolutely lit for Latinx talent! From heartfelt speeches to jaw-dropping performances, this year’s ceremony saw some seriously stellar achievements from our favorite Latin stars. Let’s dive into the highlights!
Zoë Saldaña Makes Oscar History
Hold on to your hats—Zoë Saldaña just made history at the Oscars! The powerhouse actress snagged the Best Supporting Actress award for her unforgettable role in Emilia Pérez, a gripping musical directed by Jacques Audiard. Zoë absolutely nailed the role of a Mexican cartel boss undergoing a gender transition, and her performance had us all in awe. In her acceptance speech, she gave a heartfelt shoutout to her Dominican and Puerto Rican roots and dedicated the award to her grandmother. How sweet is that?
But wait, there’s more! The film also won Best Original Song for “El Mal,” composed by Clément Ducol, Camille, and Jacques Audiard. A huge win all around for Emilia Pérez!
Now, the film did stir up some controversy, especially from the Mexican and transgender communities, with critiques about its portrayal and representation. Zoë, being the class act she is, apologized for any hurt caused, explaining that the film was meant to explore universal struggles rather than pinpoint one specific culture. Way to handle it with grace, Zoë!
Brazil Takes the Spotlight with “I’m Still Here”
In another landmark moment, Brazil broke new ground at the Oscars with I’m Still Here, directed by Walter Salles and starring Fernanda Torres. This emotional political drama won the Oscar for Best International Feature, making it the first Brazilian film ever to take home the gold statue in this category. Based on the true story of Eunice Paiva’s fight against Brazil’s military dictatorship, the film blew audiences away with its powerful storytelling and gripping performances. You can bet the whole country was celebrating this one!
A Rising Tide of Latinx Talent
The wins for Zoë Saldaña and I’m Still Here are just the latest examples of how Latinx talent is taking Hollywood by storm. With these historic wins, it’s clear that Latinx voices and stories are here to stay, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what the future holds for these amazing artists. The Oscars are just the beginning—watch out world, Latinx cinema is on the rise!
