Dominicans celebrated Monday after actress Zoe Saldaña won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in “Emilia Pérez”. The win marked a historic moment of national pride, as it was the first time a Dominican has received an Oscar. President Luis Abinader congratulated Saldaña on social media, saying she is a “worthy representative of our culture” and a symbol of Dominican pride.
Saldaña, who won for her portrayal of a Mexican lawyer in the French musical, drew comparisons to Amelia Vega’s 2003 Miss Universe win, another milestone for Dominican women. The country’s largest newspaper, Diario Libre, dedicated its Monday editorial to Saldaña, hailing her as one of the most prominent figures in global cinema.
In her acceptance speech, Saldaña paid tribute to her mother and grandmother, who migrated to the US from the Dominican Republic in 1961. She expressed gratitude for being a trailblazer for American-born Dominicans like herself, saying “I am not the last” and that she is committed to paving the way for others.
This win marks a significant moment of recognition for the Dominican community, as Saldaña’s success serves as a reminder of their rich cultural heritage.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/zoe-saldana-oscars-reaction-e57b450362957bc260a117b2d36cf5de