Zoe Saldana wins her first Oscar for her role in Emilia Perez

Zoe Saldana won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Jacques Audiard's Emilia Perez. This is the first Academy Award for the actress and a historic event for Americans of Dominican descent.

Here's What We Know

Saldana plays the role of Rita Maura Castro, a lawyer from Mexico City who helps a drug lord undergo gender affirmative surgery and start a new life. Her character became the central figure in a musical thriller that combines complex themes of identity and love.

In her acceptance speech, Saldana thanked the Academy for recognising the power of women: "I am overwhelmed by this honour. Thank you to the Academy for seeing the quiet heroism and strength in a woman like Rita. I am proud to be the first Dominican American to receive this award, and I know I will not be the last."

The actress also expressed her gratitude to her family and director Jacques Audiard: "I thank Jacques for his interest in these women and his desire to tell their story. This award is for my mother, grandmother and all the women who inspire me."

Emilia Perez's film received 13 nominations at this year's Oscars, including Best Picture.

Saldana beat out such nominees as Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown), Ariana Grande (Wicked), Felicity Jones (The Brutalist) and Isabella Rossellini (Conclave). Her victory is the culmination of a successful awards season that has also seen her win a BAFTA, Critics Choice Award, Golden Globe and SAG Award.

Zoe Saldana is known for her roles in major franchises such as Avatar, Star Trek and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Source: Oscars