Zoe Saldaña fully embodied a character unlike any she has played before in Emilia Pérez. Known for her commanding presence in blockbuster franchises, she now delivers a performance that is raw, nuanced, and deeply transformative. Emilia Pérez has already earned her major accolades, including a Golden Globe, a Critics’ Choice Award, and now a BAFTA, solidifying her as a serious contender this awards season. As she steps into this new era of her career, shedding past expectations, the industry is taking notice in a way it never has before.

With Oscar night approaching and whispers turning into roars, will her name be the one they call? Or will the Academy make her wait just a little longer?

Zoe Saldaña’s performance in Emilia Pérez has already made waves this awards season, and there are strong reasons why both the film and her role could lead to an Oscar win. Aside from the obvious boost that she has gotten through her recent awards, there are many more reasons why she could get an Oscar this award season. Emilia Pérez is not your typical Oscar-bait film, it is a crime drama with musical elements, blending genres in a way that is both daring and innovative. The Academy has shown an increasing appreciation for genre-defying films, as seen with Everything Everywhere All at Once, the Oscars 2023 Best Picture Winner. 

In recent years, the Academy has made efforts to recognize more diverse voices, awarding films that center on underrepresented identities and bold storytelling. Emilia Pérez, with her focus on Latino culture, gender transformation, and resilience, fits into this evolving landscape. Much like A Fantastic Woman, which tells the powerful story of a transgender woman fighting for her place in the world, Emilia Pérez delivered a deeply personal and socially relevant narrative. Saldaña’s portrayal of a woman navigating identity, morality, and survival could resonate with Oscar voters, especially as Hollywood continues to embrace more inclusive and transformative storytelling.

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The stage is set, the moment is near, but for Zoe Saldaña, the seeds she planted years ago may finally bear the fruit of long-overdue recognition.

For years, Zoe Saldaña dominated the box office, yet awards recognition remained elusive, perhaps a victim of Hollywood’s genre bias. Sci-fi blockbusters made her a household name, but prestige circles often overlooked her talent. However, despite the many criticisms Zoe Saldaña faced with Emilia Pérez, she has shattered expectations and is maybe on her way to winning Hollywood's most coveted award. And if she wins? It will not just be a trophy, it will be a reckoning, a nod to every artist who told stories that did not quite fit the mold.

No matter the outcome, Emilia Pérez has reshaped Zoe Saldaña’s career, proving her range beyond box-office hits. An Oscar win would be historic, but even without it, she has already redefined what Hollywood’s most celebrated performances can look like.

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Do you think Zoe Saldaña will be able to secure an Oscar? Let us in on your thoughts in the comments section down below.