Zoe Saldaña’s 2025 SAG Award Speech: What Did She Reveal That’s Got Everyone Talking?

On February 23, 2025, Zoe Saldaña won the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role at the 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards for her portrayal of Rita Mora Castro in Emilia Pérez. Her acceptance speech at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles was a tearful, powerful moment that blended personal reflection with a call for inclusivity and artistic freedom.

But it’s what she said after the speech—in press interviews and behind-the-scenes moments—that’s sparking buzz across Hollywood and beyond. This article uncovers every detail of Saldaña’s post-win revelations, from her emotional highs to subtle hints about drama behind Emilia Pérez, giving fans and curious readers alike a front-row seat to her historic night.

What Did Zoe Saldaña Say On Stage That Moved the Audience?

Saldaña’s acceptance speech was an emotional rollercoaster. She began with, “To be in this room is a true honor. This is my community, this is my circus,” instantly connecting with her fellow actors. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “I got my first SAG card in 1998. I didn’t even know what SAG was,” crediting her family for helping her understand the union’s value.

The crowd erupted as she proudly declared, “I’m so proud to be part of a union that allows me to be who I am, and I’ve never been questioned about where I come from or judged by how I speak or what my pronouns are.” She closed with a poignant message tied to Emilia Pérez: “I believe that everybody has the right to be who they are… We really have to tell stories that are beautiful and thought-provoking and live within the spectrum of artistic freedom.”

The room felt the weight of her words, especially amid the film’s recent controversies.

What Did Saldaña Reveal About Emilia Pérez Drama After the Win?

Backstage and in press interviews, Saldaña dropped hints about the turbulence surrounding Emilia Pérez. The film’s lead, Karla Sofía Gascón, has been absent from awards season due to backlash over resurfaced offensive social media posts from years past. Saldaña, who’d previously mentioned Gascón warmly in her Golden Globes speech, noticeably omitted her co-star’s name at the SAG Awards.

When pressed by Variety earlier in February about the controversy, she’d said, “I’m still processing everything… I’m sad. It makes me really sad because I don’t support [it], and I don’t have any tolerance for any negative rhetoric towards people of any group.” Post-SAG, she told reporters, “This win is for the story we told, for the truth and love in it,” subtly sidestepping Gascón while emphasizing the film’s message.

Her careful wording suggests a deliberate effort to keep the focus on her craft amid the storm.

How Did Saldaña Celebrate Her Personal Journey Post-Speech?

Saldaña’s reflections after the win were deeply personal. She brought her husband, Marco Perego-Saldaña, as her date, and the couple’s red-carpet PDA—holding hands and exchanging loving glances—set the tone for a night of celebration. In a PEOPLE interview, she admitted, “I think it’s so important for us actors to financially educate ourselves,” tying it back to her SAG roots.

She also gushed about her family’s support, saying, “I want to thank my family for just being beautiful and always supporting me.” Having already won a Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and BAFTA for Emilia Pérez, Saldaña told journalists she’s dedicating these victories to her trans nephew, Eli, adding, “He is the reason—they are the reason—I signed up to do this film.” This personal tie elevated her win beyond a career milestone into a heartfelt mission.

Why Did Saldaña’s Words Resonate So Strongly After the SAG Awards?

Saldaña’s post-win comments struck a chord because they blended vulnerability with advocacy. Her speech’s focus on inclusivity—“I’ve never been judged by how I speak or what my pronouns are”—came just days after her BAFTA win, where she’d told PinkNews she stands with the trans community. Post-SAG, she doubled down, telling The Hollywood Reporter, “Emilia Pérez is about truth and love,” reinforcing her belief in storytelling as a tool for change.

Fans on X praised her authenticity, with posts calling her “a voice for the voiceless.” Her sweep of every major supporting actress award this season—Golden Globe, Critics Choice, BAFTA, and now SAG—positions her as the Oscar frontrunner for March 2, 2025, making her words a rallying cry for representation in Hollywood.

Some Closing Thoughts: What’s Next for Zoe Saldaña After Her SAG Triumph?

Zoe Saldaña’s 2025 SAG Award win wasn’t just a trophy—it was a statement. On stage, she celebrated her union and her right to be herself; off stage, she navigated Emilia Pérez’s complexities with grace while honoring her family and her trans nephew.

As she heads toward the Oscars with unstoppable momentum, her post-win revelations show a star who’s not just collecting accolades but using her platform to push for inclusivity and artistic freedom.

Whether she’s reflecting on her humble beginnings or hinting at behind-the-scenes drama, Saldaña’s words linger, proving she’s more than an actress—she’s a force. Keep your eyes on her as awards season peaks; this is one story that’s far from over.

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