In an emotional and heartfelt acceptance speech, Zoë Saldaña became the first American of Dominican origin to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her performance in the critically acclaimed film Emilia Pérez earned her this prestigious honor. During her speech, Saldaña paid tribute to her immigrant family, highlighting the importance of her heritage and the role her grandmother played in shaping her dreams. The actress also emphasized the significance of winning for a Spanish-speaking role, reflecting on her family's journey to the United States. This historic moment not only marks a personal triumph but also celebrates diversity in cinema.
An Unforgettable Moment at the 97th Academy Awards
In the opulent setting of the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, the 97th Academy Awards ceremony witnessed a poignant milestone as Zoë Saldaña took the stage to accept her first Oscar. As she approached the microphone, her voice filled with emotion, she acknowledged her mother, who was present among the audience. Saldaña expressed pride in being the daughter of immigrant parents, whose hard work and dignity laid the foundation for her success. She spoke about the profound impact of her grandmother, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1961, and how her grandmother's unwavering support fueled her acting aspirations from a young age.
Saldaña’s win for her role in Emilia Pérez, where she delivered a powerful performance in Spanish, holds special significance. She noted that if her grandmother were alive today, she would be overjoyed by this achievement. The actress also highlighted the importance of representation and breaking barriers, declaring that she will not be the last American of Dominican origin to receive this accolade. Her victory comes after a series of wins at the Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globe awards, solidifying her position as the frontrunner in the supporting actress category.
Emilia Pérez, directed by an esteemed filmmaker, garnered multiple nominations across various categories, including Best Picture and Best Director, making it one of the most anticipated films of the year. The movie has been widely praised for its storytelling and performances, with critics lauding Saldaña’s portrayal as her finest work to date.
From a journalist's perspective, Saldaña’s win is more than just an individual triumph; it symbolizes progress in Hollywood’s efforts toward greater inclusivity and recognition of diverse talent. Her speech serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and contributions of immigrant communities in the arts. It also underscores the importance of preserving cultural identity while pursuing dreams, inspiring future generations to follow in her footsteps. Saldaña’s achievement is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of perseverance and passion.
The 2023 Academy Awards witnessed an unexpected twist when Mick Jagger presented the award for Best Original Song. The winning song, "El Mal" from Emilia Pérez, was announced amidst a humorous exchange about Bob Dylan's absence. Throughout the evening, various nominees showcased a diverse array of musical styles, highlighting the creativity in contemporary cinema. Diane Warren, despite her impressive track record of nominations, did not secure a win this time. The event also featured lighthearted commentary from host Conan O'Brien regarding Dylan's notable absence.
A Humorous Presentation with a Twist
Mick Jagger took to the stage at the Dolby Theatre to present one of the most anticipated awards of the night. His announcement of "El Mal" as the winner came with a playful jest about Bob Dylan’s reluctance to participate. This moment added an element of surprise and humor to the ceremony. Jagger's remarks drew laughter from the audience, making the presentation memorable.
Jagger mentioned that the producers initially wanted Dylan to present the award but were met with his polite refusal. In response, Jagger quipped that perhaps someone younger should take on the role, leading to his own appearance on stage. This anecdote highlighted the unpredictable nature of such high-profile events. It also revealed that Dylan had indeed been invited to both present and perform at the Oscars, according to exclusive information from The Hollywood Reporter. Host Conan O'Brien earlier echoed similar sentiments during his opening monologue, adding more layers to the ongoing joke about Dylan's absence.
Diverse Nominees and Unfulfilled Expectations
The nominees for Best Original Song represented a wide spectrum of genres and cinematic themes. Among them were two songs from Emilia Pérez, including the winning "El Mal," as well as entries like “Never Too Late” from Elton John's documentary and “Like a Bird” from Sing Sing. Each nominee brought unique elements to the competition, showcasing the rich diversity in modern film music.
Diane Warren, a prolific songwriter nominated for “The Journey” from The Six Triple Eight, faced disappointment when she did not win. Despite holding the record for the most nominations in this category, including an honorary Oscar in 2022, Warren expressed her frustration earlier in the evening. She lamented that the nominees would not be performing their songs live at the ceremony, which could have added another layer of excitement. Nevertheless, the evening celebrated the achievements of all nominees, recognizing their contributions to the world of film and music.
The 2025 Academy Awards celebrated the enduring legacy of James Bond through an electrifying musical tribute. The evening featured performances by three contemporary artists who paid homage to the iconic film series. Margaret Qualley set the stage with a captivating dance routine, setting the tone for what was to come. Following her, Lisa showcased her vocal and dance talents with a snippet of "Live and Let Die." Doja Cat then took over with a powerful rendition of "Diamonds are Forever," originally made famous by Shirley Bassey. Finally, Raye delivered a breathtaking performance of "Skyfall," which had previously earned Adele an Oscar in 2012.
Recently, the James Bond franchise has been making waves beyond the silver screen. Notably, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the custodians of the Bond legacy since 1962, announced they were selling their stake in EON Productions to Amazon. This news marked a significant shift in the control of the franchise that has shaped cinema for over six decades. In November, the duo received the prestigious Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, recognizing their contributions to filmmaking. On Oscar night, the musical tribute served as a poignant reminder of the cultural impact of Bond's music, blending cinematic grandeur with timeless pop melodies.
The James Bond franchise continues to captivate audiences worldwide, not only through its thrilling narratives but also through its unforgettable soundtrack. From Monty Norman's original theme to the more recent hits by Adele and Billie Eilish, the music has become an integral part of the Bond experience. The performances at the Oscars highlighted the lasting influence of these songs and the talent behind them. As the franchise moves into a new era under Amazon's ownership, the future of Bond's music promises to remain as compelling and innovative as ever. Raye's stunning rendition of "Skyfall" on the red carpet is a testament to the enduring allure of this legendary spy saga.