SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Zoe Saldaña’s triumph at the Oscars as she clinched the award for best supporting actress in her performance in “Emilia Pérez” was a cause for celebration across the Dominican Republic on Monday, bringing a wave of national pride.
President Luis Abinader immediately expressed his gratitude to the actress for her outstanding representation of Dominican culture, sharing his sentiments on social media following the Sunday night ceremony.
“I congratulate you, Zoe Saldaña, for becoming the first Dominican to win an Oscar,” he declared. “Your talent and dedication elevate our nation. Thank you for carrying our flag high. You are a source of Dominican pride.”
The Minister of Culture, Roberto Ángel Salcedo, a former film producer, shared the enthusiasm. “We are deeply proud of you. It is a well-deserved recognition of your career and your international success. Bravo, Zoe!” he stated in a social media post.
Saldaña, who is of Dominican descent but born in America, was honored with the best supporting actress Oscar for her performance as Mexican lawyer Rita Castro in the French narco-musical, “Emilia Pérez.”
Reflecting on the significant moment, 34-year-old lawyer Scarlet Jiménez compared Saldaña’s success to Amelia Vega’s historic 2003 Miss Universe victory for Dominican women. “I thought it was super excellent, the Dominicans shining everywhere. Just as Amelia won Miss Universe at the time, that’s how it feels,” Jiménez mentioned.
Diario Libre, a major newspaper in the Dominican Republic, dedicated its editorial on Monday to Saldaña, acknowledging her status as a global icon in cinema, breaking through various barriers across genres and platforms.
In her acceptance speech, Saldaña paid tribute to her mother, present at the Dolby Theater, and fondly recalled her grandmother, who moved to the United States in 1961. “I am a proud child of immigrant parents. With dreams, dignity, and hardworking hands,” said Saldaña. “I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. And I know I won’t be the last.”
“The fact that I am receiving an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish, my grandmother, if she were here, she would be so delighted,” she expressed with emotion.
