Film opinion: Zoe Saldaña - The Emilia Pèrez star is an icon in multiple arenas
Zoe Saldaña is in the Oscars race for her supporting role in the Netflix comedy crime musical Emilia Pèrez.
But Saldaña has also proved adept on the awards stage, in box office blockbusters and television dramas.
Film News Blitz’s David Bason describes the many strings to this media marvel’s bow.
Saldaña on the path to Oscars glory
Saldaña’s supporting role in Emilia Pèrez has put her on the path to Oscars glory in the Actress in a Supporting Role category.
That journey began last May when Emilia Pèrez had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won Best Ensemble.
Since then, Saldaña has added a host of nominations and award wins to her CV, including victory at the Golden Globes.
Her nominations will see her in the hunt for more prizes at the Critics’ Choice Awards, the BAFTAs, the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Oscars, where Saldaña is up for her first Academy Award.
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“I don’t think I can properly express the deep levels of gratitude and joy I feel for the recognition Emilia Pérez has been given,” said Saldaña (via Entertainment Weekly).
“Being part of the beautiful family Jacques created was a dream and every single person involved poured their love into telling this powerful story.
“I’m especially grateful to Karla, whose bravery and talent brought so much depth and authenticity to Emilia.
“It’s a bittersweet moment as our community in Los Angeles is processing the heartbreaking losses from the ongoing fires — homes, schools, businesses and entire neighbourhoods.
“My heart is with all those affected and I’m sending endless love and appreciation to our fearless first responders and everyone working to help rebuild our city."
Saldaña: The box office common denominator
Saldaña’s Oscars nomination is a just reward for a career littered with iconic film roles.
Despite carving out a space in the awards race, Saldaña is best known for her roles in multiple blockbusters.
Film audiences worldwide recognise her face as an integral part of the biggest movies to grace the silver screen.
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The top three highest-grossing movies at the worldwide box office are Avatar, Avengers: Endgame and Avatar: The Way of Water.
These three films all have one thing in common: Saldaña.
In James Cameron’s Avatar epics, Saldaña is a leading force as the equally fearsome and loyal Na’vi warrior Neytiri; thus, her mark has been etched in Hollywood history.
Moreover, Saldaña was a force to be reckoned with as Gamora in James Gunn’s excellent Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and as Uhura in Paramount’s modern Star Trek feature films.
Saldaña: Star of the small screen
Saldaña has made a habit of playing powerful leading ladies, a role she fits perfectly.
That has seen her transcend from blockbusters on the big screen to leading Paramount+ hit series Lioness.
Saldaña stars as Joe in television maestro Taylor Sheridan’s Lioness, with her character a CIA operative attempting to balance her personal and professional lives as the tip of the spear in the agency's war on terror.
Lioness is a critical hit, certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and its second season premiere was a ratings powerhouse with 12.4 million people watching worldwide.
According to Gazettelly, “the show’s viewership increased 14% weekly, with household figures rising from 4.8 million to 5.4 million.”
Saldaña’s performance in the lead has also been celebrated, with her portrayal of Joe earning two nominations at NAACP’s Image Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series.
A summary of success
In summary, it appears that wherever Saldaña goes, success follows.
Be it a blockbuster, a hit TV series or an awards film venture, Saldaña is a common denominator that can almost guarantee you’ve got a hit on your hands.
Her star continues rising and with a potential Oscars win looming, could reach another level still.
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