Zoe Saldana seemingly made a subtle reference to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies during her acceptance speech for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. She received the award at the 2025 Oscars from Da'Vine Joy Randolph.

With tears in her eyes, Saldana expressed, “Mami! Mami! My mother is present. My entire family is here. I am truly honored by this recognition. I extend my gratitude to the Academy for acknowledging the quiet heroism and strength embodied by a woman like Rita, and for celebrating powerful women. To my fellow nominees, the love and support you have shown me is an invaluable gift, and I am committed to paying it forward.”

‘I am a proud child of immigrant parents’

Saldana expressed her pride in being a “child of immigrant parents,” which seemed to subtly critique Trump's immigration policies. Throughout his presidential campaign, Trump consistently pledged to intensify efforts against illegal immigration, and he has pursued various measures to implement this agenda since taking office.

“My grandmother arrived in this country in 1961. I take pride in being a child of immigrant parents, who came with dreams, dignity, and a strong work ethic,” Saldana stated. “I am the first American of Dominican descent to receive an Academy Award, and I am confident that I will not be the last,” she added.

Her remarks prompted a standing ovation from Selena Gomez, who had recently shared her emotional response to the crackdown on illegal immigration in an Instagram video. In a now-deleted clip, Gomez was visibly upset as she expressed, “All my people are being targeted, especially the children. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry; I wish I could help, but I feel powerless. I will do everything I can, I promise.”

Saldana portrayed the struggling attorney Rita Castro in the film Emilia Pérez. Castro is engaged by a Mexican drug lord to assist in facilitating gender-affirming surgery. This drug lord ultimately transitions into Emilia Pérez, a role played by Karla Sofía Gascón, who has received a nomination for Best Actress and is recognized as the first openly transgender actor to be nominated for an Oscar.

Saldana expressed her sentiments, stating, "The fact that I am receiving an award for a role where I had the opportunity to sing and converse in Spanish would have brought immense joy to my grandmother if she were present."

Upon taking office, Trump enacted executive orders that declared a national emergency at the border and proceeded to deploy the US military to address the influx of migrants. He signed orders that terminated birthright citizenship, suspended refugee admissions, and discontinued the use of an application at the southern border that facilitated the entry of migrants through humanitarian parole.

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