Zoe Saldaña Thanks Her Mom in Oscar Acceptance Speech

At the Dolby Theatre, Zoe Saldaña, 46, took the stage to accept her Oscar for best supporting actress, looking for her mother in the audience. She called out, "Mami! Mami!" as she waved and expressed her gratitude, saying, "My mom is here. My whole family's here. I am floored by this honor." This achievement made her the first American of Dominican origin to win in this category for her role as Mexican lawyer Rita Castro in the film "Emilia Pérez."

In an interview with "Good Morning America" after her win, Saldaña shared a special moment she had with her mother before delivering her heartfelt acceptance speech. "I saw her—it was really beautiful. Everything just flashes before your eyes—all the years, all the auditions, all the parts I didn't get," she recalled, highlighting how her mom always encouraged her to celebrate the successes of others. "My mom would remind me to be happy for the woman who got the part. It is her time."

Saldaña went on to describe her mother as the "epitome of grace" and emphasized her appreciation for her support throughout the years. Raised in Queens, New York, she also took this opportunity to honor the women who paved the way for her and proudly acknowledged her heritage. During her speech, she mentioned her grandmother, who emigrated to the U.S. in 1961, stating, "I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hardworking 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."

After the ceremony, Saldaña revealed to "GMA" that she wasn't feeling 100% but was still excited to celebrate her win and spend time with her kids who were waiting at the hotel. Although she usually goes to bed early, she planned to stay out to enjoy the celebration, adding, "I have to celebrate them as well—and then I'll probably have a lot to eat." She mentioned her cravings for rice and beans, highlighting her Dominican roots, while also expressing her love for Asian cuisine as a New Yorker.

Oscar, Zoe, Mother